Residents living near a proposed 280-unit apartment complex at Perimeter Summit continued to air their concerns about multi-family overdevelopment and the impact it will have on property values in the area.
The meeting, held on April 20 at an office building in the Summit complex, drew about 30 people, most of whom said they oppose the development.
High Street Residential, the residential subsidiary of developer Trammell Crow Company, plans to build 280 apartments on a vacant 2.7-acre parcel that is zoned for a 12-story office building.
It is zoned Office-Industrial, and the developers are asking for conditional changes as well as two Special Land Use Permits to allow for the apartment’s construction and increased building heights.
The city’s planning commission at its April 1 meeting unanimously recommended the project, subject to several conditions, including incorporating a certain mix of residential, commercial, and retail, and the inclusion of public art within the complex, as well as changes to the ingress and egress within the complex.
The commission had deferred a decision at its March 6 meeting after citizens aired their concerns regarding the density of the development, and the perception that multi-family housing has a negative effect on surrounding properties’ home values.
Speakers at the April 20 meeting echoed many of the concerns discussed at the April 1 meeting, including the fact that several nearby mixed-use developments have seen the failure of retail businesses. Recently, several restaurants, including Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse and Iron Hill Brewery, have closed their locations at the State Farm corporate building complex.
Speakers say they are ‘construction weary’
Most of the speakers at the informal meeting, facilitated by City Council Member Michael Diaz, were Villa Sonoma condominium owners, who say they are weary of the construction in the area.
“We are just sick and tired of the construction process,” one person commented. “We are just literally over it.”
The speakers cited ongoing construction of a 350-unit, seven-story apartment near the proposed site, and the recent completion of the AMLi Brookhaven on Lake Hearn Drive, which has one- to three-bedroom units for rent, and contains another 20,000 square feet of retail.
They argued that the area is oversaturated with multi-family developments and the effect on an already-overburdened Ashford Dunwoody Road will be devastating for the residents.
Several speakers, including Brian Murphy, said they are seeing their property values plummet, in part because the association had to hike its monthly homeowner fees in order to finance fixes to the complex’s failing stucco. They believe the “transient” nature of renters will further erode their home values.
Trammell Crow goal: A vibrant community
Scott Kirchoff, a principal at Trammell Crow, said the development will turn the area into “a vibrant mixed-use environment.”
Compared to an office complex, the apartments would result in a 40% reduction in traffic overall, and 77% during peak hours, he said. Parking would be reduced from 1,000 spaces to 375, and trails would be built around the Perimeter Summit property to promote walkability. In addition, plans include building pocket parks and a 10,000 square-foot community green space gathering area.
Kirchoff also pushed back against residents who have labeled the project as a “squeeze job” that will move ahead despite residents’ concerns. Diaz said the meeting was set up to refine the final plan based on citizen feedback.
“The intent is to provide the opportunity to connect, and hear about your concerns,” Diaz said.
Trammell Crow’s request will be heard at the April 28 city council meeting. Kirchoff said construction may begin next year, with an expected two-year duration.
