The Baldwin City Council has approved the expansion of Baldwin Court Apartments on West Airport Road. The approval came during the City Council meeting on Monday night.
The expansion project required a zoning variance for Baldwin Court Apartments, LLC to move forward with the new construction. Since the complex was built in the late 1990’s, Baldwin’s zoning ordinances have changed. One of the changes reduced the number of apartment units that could be placed on an acre of land.
At last week’s work session, the City Council held a public hearing to receive public comments about the project. No one spoke in opposition of the variance request.
During the meeting, Council member Maarten Venter asked if staff had any concerns about the project? Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster explained that the only concerns from staff was from the police department. Their concern was with additional apartments coming to the complex, there could be an increase in call volume for the police department.
The project will consist of demolishing the old office management building, which has been unused for several years. A new apartment building will be placed at that location and will include 10 two-bedroom and two-bath apartments.
The project will include additional parking to accommodate the new units as part of the expansion.
Power installation at park
The City Council also approved having power installed at their downtown city park across from the Farmers Market. The installation will provide power for city events and for vendors that participate in those events throughout the year. It will also allow other users to have power when they host events at the park.
According to Woodmaster, this is the last part of the project that was started a few years ago. However, the council had previously restricted $34,865 from SPLOST 6 to purchase a fire truck. Since that time, the city chose to go a different route for the funding of the fire truck. The council voted to remove the restriction on the $34,865.
The cost of the power installation is $31,800 and will be paid for with the unrestricted funds from SPLOST 6. The power installation will finish up the downtown city park project.
