More than 200 townhome units could start to be constructed in Cornelia over the course of the next few years.
At a public hearing during Cornelia’s regular meeting Tuesday, Oct 1., applicant Casey Moye proposed between 188-200 townhomes on 36 acres off Level Grove Road just outside Cornelia’s city limits. Moye said the development would be constructed in phases over the course of multiple years, with 50 units built each year.
The site of the proposed development (1900 Level Grove Rd.) is under a mile from Level Grove Elementary and just over a mile from the intersection of Level Grove and US 441.
“You’re looking at controlled growth,” Moye said. “More or less, they’re all going to be sold. There’s going to be no rentals…that’s all contractual.”
Cornelia’s Commission approved a posting of an ordinance for annexation of the property into the city, with the proposed rezoning of R-II (multifamily) scheduled to be considered a month from now.
“Next month, there will be a second hearing on the annexation,” City Manager Dee Anderson said. “Then, at that time, there will be a hearing on the zoning as well.”
If approved, the 1,800 square-foot townhouse units would consist of Hardie board and rock siding finishes with two car garages.
Amenities could include a dog park, playgrounds and green space, according to Moye, who said prices of the homes would range between $290,000-$310,000.
If the project proceeds, Anderson said there would be two access points to the development from Level Grove Road.
Water and sewer line connections to the site would be paid and provided by the developer with the project’s approval.
Public comment
Homeowner Melany Herrin was the first to speak on behalf of her and her husband during the public hearing.
“This property backs up to mine and my husband’s property, and I want to make sure – whatever you do – that we will not be affected by this annexation,” Herrin said. “Also, I want to make sure there’s a traffic study done. During the school year, you have a lot of traffic coming up and down there.”
City officials advised Herrin that her property would not be annexed into the city of Cornelia, if the project were to be approved, and a traffic study would be conducted as required.
Donna Shirley also went before commissioners and requested certain conditions if the development were approved, specifically a buffer between her property and the site where the project is proposed. “That was my main concern,” she said.
Anderson said commissioners are expected to stipulate a series of conditions, including vegetative buffering between the property and surrounding homes.
The Torch Pastor Mike Franklin – an owner of the property sold to Moye – spoke of his role in guiding the style of the project to commissioners. His vision, he said, is a “nice residential unit for the community.”
“That’s my role in this: is trying to be a buffer and then benefit the church in the process,” Franklin said. “…the church owned all of this (land) first.”
Franklin’s involvement in the deal, he told Now Habersham after the meeting, is to “control the quality” of future development in Habersham County.
“I want to see something that benefits the county,” he said. “I want something that benefits the city. If it’s not going to benefit the city and the county, I’m not going to have it. I’m a Habershamian. I want to live here.”
