Plans show homes with smaller footprint
A proposed subdivision of more than 300 homes in Greene County is under review with the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission. It is just one of many developments that are moving along the multi-step process of approval for the county, which includes a development of regional impact (DRI) review by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Lake Oconee Estates and Beach Club LLC of Atlanta is planning to build 328 detached single-family homes on a 264-acre site in unincorporated Greene County along two separate tracks on the Veazey Connector. The homes would range from 1,200-2,000 square feet with a typical lot size of 84 feet by 182 feet.
The smaller home footprint would suggest more affordable housing, unlike the larger developments along Highway 44. Like most new residential developments, a community pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and clubhouse will be part of the development.
An initial DRI form was submitted by Lake Oconee Estates and Beach Club LLC last month.
An estimated value at build-out would be $125 million, amounting to approximately $766,000 in tax revenue for Greene County if ultimately approved after going through zoning approval.
Currently, the southern end of the site is adjacent to Lake Oconee. An existing cemetery is in this southern portion.
The county would require the cemetery to be preserved and protected by adequate buffers and fencing. Additionally, there is a wetland area that bisects the eastern and western portions of the site. The southern end of the site includes streams and borders a floodplain connected to Lake Oconee.
The site plan proposes preserving 106 acres of open space, which is approximately 40 percent of the total site area. A 25-foot buffer is planned for all adjacent parcels to be built and completed in two phases with a projected completion date of October 2026.
Phase One is assumed to be south of the Veazey Connector and consists of 200 units on 48 acres.
Phase Two is assumed to be north of the connector and is planned for 128 units on 58 acres. Both phases will need zoning approval for a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The land is identified as part of the “West Greene Community” on the county’s character area map.
The vision established by the county’s recent comprehensive planning initiative cites this area as one that “continues to serve as a major area of high-quality residential development.” Any new development would access existing corridors through a dedicated subdivision entrance.
The developer asserts that the project is unlikely to affect any of the environmental quality factors. This includes watersheds, groundwater recharge areas, wetlands, river corridors, and other environmentally sensitive resources. However, as the parcels are within one mile of Lake Oconee, the entire site is located within a specially designated Northeast Georgia Greene Infrastructure.
This designation is planned to serve as a strategically planned and managed network of wilderness, parks, greenways, and conservation easements.