A new residential, mixed-use development proposed for 137 acres near the busy intersection of Linger Longer Road and Lake Oconee Parkway is now on hold for legal review by both the developer, Red Clay Development LLC, and attorneys for the county.
Signaling a need to better assess unfettered growth in the county, Commissioners sought to engage legal counsel after Red Clay’s attorneys circumvented a suggestion to meet and address a list of objections cited by the county upon review.
Airabella at Lake Oconee would be a largely residential area with 116 single-family lots from about a third of an acre to one acre in size, with an additional 25 cottages and 72 townhomes.
It was projected to also have shops and businesses, some with apartments on a second floor, and a 125-room upscale hotel with supporting underground parking.
More importantly, it proposed to bring in a new, yet-to-be-named, 45,000 square-foot grocery store which was rumored to be a Kroger.
Many area residents have voiced the need to bring in a new grocer to compete with neighboring Publix, which has dominated the Highway 44 business corridor for quite some time. Tuesday’s County Commission meeting was attended by many residents wanting to hear about the development.
District 4 Commissioner Ernie Filice told attendees that the earlier agenda item to address the development was taken off at the request of the developer, as it was apparent many hurdles needed to be addressed. An earlier notice had been quickly sent.
“We found that their earlier plans could not meet existing code enforcement, which we take very seriously for the county,” he said. “We advised that they sit down, meet with us and review objections cited by county management and compliance with code following an inspection. We didn’t hear back and instead heard from their legal counsel, who had contacted our county attorney.”
County Manager Byron Lombard cited concerns about the residential density of the project and plans for alleys behind homes which may prevent emergency vehicles' proper access.
A meeting has been proposed for next week.