Preserving Dahlonega’s charm; concerned residents with rezoning project in Dahlonega
Community, News, Police & Government November 18, 2020
rezoning
Residents flooded the Dahlonega City Council meeting, on Nov. 16, to stress their concerns for a future development in the region on rezoning. The development up for discussion being student housing. There is land – over 10 acres – right across from the Dahlonega Baptist Church that Signet Real Estate Group wants to utilize for such plans.
Major concerns with Dahlonega natives include traffic, impact on infrastructure, preservation of natural resources and noise/behavior of residents.
The breakdown brought by the Signet Group presented their plan of proposed use: a 92 unit – 298 bed – apartment house. With 217 parking spots. The plan was laid out for affordable housing for the college-aged demographic.
George Butler, attorney and resident of Lumpkin County, presented the alternative side which also seemed to be the community’s consensus. Butler spoke in defense of the Baptist church.
The area that the apartment organization desires to build on is registered on the national registrar of historic districts, according to Butler. It is known as the Hawkins Street Historic District.
The demographic for the historic district is mostly single-family homes. Since the rise of COVID-19, Butler said that real estate values are going up exponentially. People are moving out of Atlanta, relocating to work remotely and there is need elsewhere; not student housing.
“Student apartments is not consistent with the visioning that Dahlonega is noted for its single-family, small town charm and whatever else you can say about student housing, it’s not charming,” Butler said.
Ethan Underwood, attorney for Signet Real Estate Group, said the plan for the development was submitted in the late summer. The organization, though, has been interested in the project for well over a year, according to Underwood.
Via communication with the University of North Georgia, they have identified a need for “high-quality student housing.” Underwood said there’s a lack of student housing and they are hoping to fix that, while also maintaining the charm of Dahlonega.
Signet Group went straight to establishing their plan with Planned Unit Development District also known PUD. Underwood said the current R1- single-family residential district plan would not work.
“The current zoning property is unconstitutional,” Underwood said. “It cannot be developed in an economically feasible manner. We’re trying to emphasize this use will satisfy the need for student housing but also would be a good fit for the community.”
A decision and vote still has yet to be made by council members. Discussion will continue at the next city council meeting on Dec. 7.
Dahlonega City Council Meeting Announcement & Agenda
Legal Notice January 2, 2017
CITY OF DAHLONEGA COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 3, 2016 6:00 P.M.
Agenda:
1. Call to Order and Welcome
2. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag
3. Agenda Approval
4. Announcements – Public Comments (please limit to three minutes)
5. Consideration of Approval of Alcohol Beverage License for Hickory Prime BBQ, Karen Ansell, Owner, for Beer, Wine, Distilled Spirits for Consumption and Sunday Sales.
6. Public Hearings a. Annexation and Rezoning Application submitted by City of Dahlonega on behalf of owner James C. Parks – continued b. Rezoning Application submitted by City of Dahlonega, on behalf of Owner James C. Parks for rezoning from a) O-I with conditions to O-I with conditions replacing prior conditions and revised site plan; and b) rezoning from R-1 with conditions to R-I with conditions replacing prior conditions and revised site plan. c. Application for subdivision approval submitted by City of Dahlonega, Owner James C. Parks for Final Subdivision Approval for two new lots.
7. Minute Approval a. Regular Council Meeting December 5, 2016, 6:00 p.m. b. Work Session Meeting December 15, 2016, 4:00 p.m.
8. Departmental Reports a. Planning & Zoning Department and Code Enforcement Reports b. Historic Preservation Report c. Monthly Financial Report d. Projects Reports e. Down Town Development Authority Report 1. DDA Marketing and Promotions Update
9. Dahlonega Lumpkin County Chamber & Convention and Visitor’s Bureau – Report of Merchant Support of Christmas Lights Agenda 1 TENTATIVE AGENDA CITY OF DAHLONEGA COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 3, 2016, 6:00 P.M. PAGE 2
10. Consent Items a. Change In Parking At Choice Street To 3 Hour Monday Through Thursday b. Approval Of Purchase Of $80,000 In Materials For Water Line Replacement in Street Scape Lite Zone c. Approval of Purchase of $70,000 In Materials For Sewer Line Replacement in Street Scape Lite Zone
11. Consideration of Purchase of Tag Reader for Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Department to be used in Dahlonega
12. City Manager Comments
13. Mayor Comments
14. City Attorney Comments
15. City Council Comments
16. Adjournment
Dahlonega City Council Special Called Meeting Announcement
Legal Notice October 17, 2016
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Dahlonega City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting on October 20, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to have an executive session to discuss litigation. The meeting will be in the Council Room in City Hall located at 465 Riley Road, Dahlonega, Georgia, 30533.
Dahlonega City Council Meeting & Agenda
Legal Notice July 6, 2016
Zoning Board of Appeals will convene at 4:00 p.m. Agenda below. Regular Council Meeting will follow immediately after.
1. Call to Order
2. Agenda Approval
3. Variance Request from E.L. Clark/Creston Warner for Variance of Ordinance 91-9 Section 301 Parking Space Size Maneuvering Area
4. Variance Request from Kevin Ash/Bourbon Street Grill for Variance of Ordinance 91-9 Section 601 Reduction of Parking Requirements
from 4 to 0
