The Dunwoody Planning Commission recommended a rezoning request for a proposed 122-townhome development on Ashwood Parkway.
The panel, by unanimous vote recommended the zoning change from Office-Industrial (O-I) to Planned Development (PD) to allow Ashwood Woods to build 122 townhomes on the 11.64-acre site.
Currently the site, near the Dunwoody City Hall, contains a vacant231,000-square-foot office building with 582 parking spaces.
Ken Wood, representing the developers, said the townhomes’ footprint would range from 2,800 to 3,000 square feet.
“Ashwood is looking at using all kinds of high-quality materials in construction,” Wood said.
Amenities would include public walking trails, improved landscaping, and a pool for the residents.
During public comment, several speakers commented that the area around the proposed site is not being properly maintained, with trees lying in the road, and street lights regularly burned out. Others commented that traffic at the intersection of Ashwood and Ashford Dunwoody Road is already at maximum capacity.
Objections to rezoning
“This is a great development, and you should deny it anyway,” said former Dunwoody Council Member Robert Wittenstein, speaking against the rezoning. “You should tell these folks to come back with the proper zoning, maybe PC-2 or PC-3, and if they come back with this, I would certainly support it.”
Wittenstein said PD zoning is for multi-use development on multiple lots, not a single use on a single lot. “You are setting a dangerous precedent to get around the zoning.”
Senior Planner Madayln Smith, upon inquiry from the commissioners, said staff felt that the proposed rezoning falls within the parameters for the PD designation.
Those speaking in favor of the rezoning said they felt it was a great investment in Dunwoody.
Dunwoody Homeowners Association President Tim Brown said he felt “it was an excellent use for this property.”
He said the developers have built quality communities around Atlanta, and applauded their efforts to build trails and reclaim and improve the pond.
After questions from the commissioners to Smith and the applicant, the panel voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning with several conditions, including a GDOT traffic study to address neighboring residents’ concerns about congestion.
The rezoning will be considered at an upcoming Dunwoody City Council meeting.
