Moore Road Subdivision Gets Thumbs Up in Suwanee

With developers' attorneys and opposed citizens in the audience, the Suwanee City Council on Tuesday approved measures that will allow a 55-home subdivision to be built in the Moore Road area.

After two public hearings, the council unanimously voted to rezone a 36.3-acre tract of land from R-140 to R-100, and also unanimously approved a Special Use Permit. In so doing, the council overrode the recommendations of the city planning commission, which had recommended a 44-home subdivision.

However, council's approvals were with 10 conditions. One of them was that lots along Moore Road, Settles Bridge Road and Meadowbrook Circle be 140 feet, larger than the other lots.

"I think we can live with that," said attorney Matt Reeves, who made the presentation to the council on behalf of developers Spartan 1 Investors LLC. That is the development arm of Homesouth Communities, which will build the homes.

This is the same tract of land that was the subject of a controversial lawsuit against the city that began in 2008, and was resolved in the city's favor earlier in 2013. In that case, developers had sought to sell the land to Notre Dame Academy in Duluth, which wanted to build a school development.

Council member Kevin McOmber, who made Tuesday's motion to approve with the conditions, noted that the stipulations were done to mitigate the opposition of residents of the area, five of whom spoke at Tuesday's meeting.

Resident Don Trawick said that the "added traffic" was his concern. Another area resident, Charlotte DeSpain, said she was concerned about road and sidewalk provisions.

Home sites in the R-140 class have a larger minimum lot size (30,000 square feet) than those in the R-100 class.

The homes are expected to be in the $500,000 price range, with at least 3,600 square feet. The same development group also developed the McGinnis Reserve subdivision in Suwanee.

Developers initially had sought a 61-lot subdivision. They said Tuesday that 55 lots would be necessary to pay for sewer in the area.

"My clients are not looking for a legal fight," Reeves told council members during the presentation.

-- Do you agree with Suwanee's decision to allow these homes to be built in this area? Tell us in the comments below.

See also:

• Proposed Suwanee Residential Development Moves Forward