Proposed commercial development in rural Cherokee County angers residents

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – There is nothing more peaceful for Cindy Jaffe than spending time with her horses. She has been living on a small farm in Cherokee County for more than 20 years, but now, she fears that a proposed commercial development nearby could steal her serenity.

“How do you make 25,000 square foot buildings fit the look and feel of a residential community,” Jaffe said.

The property in question is 7.45 acres and located on Union Hill Road near East Cherokee Drive, right next to Avery Elementary School.

According to county commissioners, a developer hopes to rezone the area and build two massive medical office buildings.

“It is inevitable that this piece will be developed, and we want to make sure it is a lesser intense use with architectural design that fits the character of the area and sets a precedent for this area,” Commissioner Steve West said.

“This is a residential area. It’s zoned agricultural. It has been zoned agricultural for years,” Andrew Hohl, a Cherokee County resident, said.

Initially, the county’s planning commission voted against rezoning the property for commercial use.

So, many residents proposed that homes be built on the property to limit potential traffic and safety issues.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners decided to table the issue until next month in hopes of finding common ground.

“We are researching this zoning request like we do all others and given the split vote of the Planning Commission and abiding by our policy for public input, we will hold a public hearing on Feb. 18 to hear from those in opposition and those in favor of the request. We know this particular parcel will set a precedent for this area. Union Hill and East Cherokee have become a major intersection, which is a draw for more intense commercial or high density residential,” West said in a statement. “In recent years, the county has been approached about storage facilities, car washes, townhomes, and high-density residential for this particular piece of property. Since it affects both of our districts, I and Commissioner Weatherby are working with people representing both sides of the case to find common ground, an appropriate use for this acreage, and address all noted concerns, including safety and traffic.”

Said Jaffe: “Whatever is decided for that corner will impact the look and feel of this community as a whole.”

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the matter to hear on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Administration Complex on Bluff’s Parkway. Both sides will have a chance to weigh in.

This article was originally published by a www.atlantanewsfirst.com . Read the Original article here. .