“Build it and they will come” seemed to be the thought behind a unanimous vote given to Red Clay Developers at Wednesday’s County Commission meeting.
Coming against many who sought to quash the planned unit development, the 72 townhomes to be built along five private roads are expected to be part of a larger development of Airabella on a 137-acre site along the busy Highway 44 corridor.
Red Clay Development will come before the county for each phase, which is expected to have 132 townhomes, 470 apartments, 45,000 square feet of loft and office space, a hotel with 125 rooms, select high-end retail, specialty restaurants and a new grocery store. The townhomes will abut larger and more expensive properties that currently exist in Reynolds. It expects to generate $792,000 in annual taxes for the county.
According to the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, areas directly across from Lake Oconee have and will see significant growth and are defined as an “Area of Rapid Growth.”
It concurs that the proposal has significant infrastructure in place. However, it cited that there will be increased traffic along the corridor, and the roads already experience higher traffic counts than many similarly-sized roadways throughout the region.
Red Clay gave the county and County Manager Byron Lombard high praise for working with them and helping to ensure the proposed development meets both the needs of the community and conforms to existing zoning mandates.
Current zoning mandates call for no more than four homes and dwellings per acre. Earlier plans showed a higher density. In comparison, Reynolds has 0.6 homes under an acre and Del Webb 3.7 per acre.
“Yes, there will be rooftops seen,” said Rich McAllister of McAllister Site Consulting representing the developer.
He made an impassioned pleas to the commissioners, all present, that earlier density concerns had been addressed and that the townhomes both meet and comply with county mandates.
“This meets the net density and definition of county compliance,” McAllister said. “It has presented a challenge, but the development is smaller than most. Red Clay has the desire, intention and fortitude to make this an exciting addition to the area and shine in the community.”
A website, helloairabella.com, markets the proposed community as one that is a stone’s throw from the shores of Lake Oconee.
It proposes bringing in chef-driven restaurants, a brewery, a boutique hotel, local retail, shared green space, a nine-hole golf course all on a pedestrian-friendly footprint. Complementing its strategy are several open spaces, walkways, cart paths, overlooks and gardens, fire pits and benches, which promote walkability in an outdoor community.
It heralds a similarity to the many planned unit developments built already such as Avalon in Alpharetta and newer ones in Cobb and Cherokee counties.
Many residents affected by the proposal to their properties have expressed concern for further growth. Several meetings were held with Ernie Filice, who represents the district, and Lombard to address their concerns.
“Everywhere I went, I had people talk with me about their concerns and the many questions they had,” Filice said. “I was happy to discuss and address all specifics. In the end, I feel many residents have grown more comfortable with the proposal and the developer’s commitment to the project. I encourage an open dialogue with both the residents and the developer on every aspect of this development.”
Kevin Bryant of Roswell is a key partner in Red Clay and was present for the hearing. He is excited about what the project will bring to the area and the promotability of community gatherings.
“This project captures the best aspects of community-based development,” he said. “It will become a community gathering spot and an area that will host events, encourage gatherings and function as a live, work and play community. Besides being a gathering spot, it will be aesthetically appealing in design. We know and appreciate the pressure put upon us to do the right things by bringing this exciting concept to the city.”
Being on ground zero of the future planning and subsequent approval votes, Airabella hopes to “celebrate life’s journeys and connections.”
Being close to Lake Oconee, the developers hope to capitalize on the amenities of lake living many presently enjoy. They certainly know a good thing when they see it and hope to become a larger part of the area’s popular events and seasonal activities.
Groundbreaking is slated for next month.