Barrett Parkway Apartment Project Gets Planning Commission OK

By Jon Gargis, The Marietta Daily Journal

A plan to put more than 200 new apartments along Barrett Parkway moved one step closer to approval Tuesday.

Pollack Shores Real Estate Group last year applied to rezone nearly 22 acres on the south side of Barrett Parkway at Barrett Creek Boulevard and Barrett Creek Parkway to allow for 296 rental units. The developer reduced the project’s size to 263 apartments, bringing it down to 12 units per acre — a density recommended by county staff members.

Commissioners approved Pollack Shores’ rezoning request, but under a stipulation of 10 units per acre, which would limit the project to 219 apartments. The stipulation was added by Planning Commissioner Judy Williams, who represents the area, citing the amount of multi-family developments surrounding the property in her remarks.

Representatives of the Bells Ferry Civic Association and the Barrett Creek Homeowners Association expressed opposition to the project, citing concerns that the density and height of the project’s apartment buildings would not fall in line with neighboring properties, while the additional residents would add to the traffic of the already busy Barrett Parkway.

Opponents of the project last month argued that the apartment complex would add to the student populations of area schools. According to county zoning documents, Bells Ferry Elementary has 696 students — 50 over its capacity of 646 — while Daniell Middle School is at its 991-student capacity.

But Williams said she believed the project would not have a significant effect on the student populations due to its expected price points.

Attorney Garvis Sams, who represents Pollack Shores, previously told the MDJ that rents at the apartment complex would start around $1,500 for a one-bedroom unit up to $3,500 a month for a three-bedroom offering.

“Typically at the price range these are at, you don’t see many children,” Williams said.

Pollack Shores’ proposal could earn final approval at the Cobb Board of Commissioners’ April 18 zoning meeting.

Read the full article here.