The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted at its June 16 regular meeting to approve a rezoning that will pave the way for a new mixed-use development in the Fairview area, at West Village Parkway and Bowden Road.

  The initial plan for 154 units on the 10.28-acre site has not changed, according to a representative of the developer, but the layout and some other specifics of the site have been altered since the Zoning Advisory Board recommended denial in January. That recommendation at the time was supported by Bruce Holmes, the district commissioner for the area. The applicant, KCG Development, hired a new architect to make changes that have since been deemed appropriate by county officials.

  “It was not up to standards,” county planning and economic development director Toussaint Kirk said of the initial proposal. “To KCG’s credit, they hired a new architect to address our concerns.”

  Kirk said the the county’s future land use map already designated the site for mixed use. County staff recommended approval of the current plan with 12 conditions, including gated access to Bowden Road and an eight-foot fence along the property’s northern border. It was the adjoining land owners on that northern side who spoke in opposition to the request.

  Paul and Sandy Seabolt both spoke during the public hearing. The couple has resided next door to the site in question for 36 years. They made their case that the development does not fit in with the surrounding area and that the necessary road improvements will make traffic in front of their home more difficult to manage.

  An attorney for the Seabolts contended that the county did not meet legal requirements for notification of the public hearing, and that the recent COVID-19 shutdown and accompanying executive orders made it too difficult for some people to make their voice heard on the issue. He asked that the hearing be delayed a month or that the rezoning request be denied.

  In response to the notification questions, Kirk showed a photo of the signage posted at the site and noted the time stamp on the photo, which read June 1. That date meets the requirement for advance notice, according to county officials.

  Ellen Smith, an attorney representing KCG, said that location and market demand were among the reasons the company chose the site, and added that it addresses part of the county’s goal to “diversify housing stock.” She referenced a county report from 2015 which stated that 86 percent of housing in the county is single-family residential and only seven percent is “in a 10-unit or more structure,” as she put it.

  The amended plan moved some buildings away from the northern boundary line, added green space and moved amenities away from West Village Parkway, Smith stated. The developer could not eliminate the Bowden Road entrance because of safety reasons, so that entrance will be gated with no signage on the road. Overall the proposal meets all ULDC requirements, Smith said, and no variances are needed.

  “The initial plan didn’t meet the requirements I’d like to see for the Fairview corridor,” said Holmes, who has represented that district since January of 2011. “The Fairview retail corridor was designated a ‘town center’ before I got elected.”

  Holmes said that he and other county officials have worked with the Seabolts throughout the process, and he believes that the development will improve property values in the area. “I would never support any development that I believe would bring property values down.”

  His motion to approve the rezoning passed with a 5-0-1 vote. Johnny Wilson abstained, saying that since he was participating in the meeting by phone he could not hear all of the public comment and should not vote either way.

  Holmes said after the meeting that he is excited about the new development and that SPLOST V funds will aid in widening the roadway near that property.

   “The Village Town Center is developing nicely with added density creating economic support and sustainability for our local businesses and developing medical corridor,” said Holmes. “The approved mixed-use development provides much needed diversification with curbside commercial and retail businesses along West Village Pkwy., which is expected to be widened with eight feet paths this fall through SPLOST V.”

  Holmes further mentioned what the area had to offer to potential residents and business.

  “These types of developments are prevalent in east and north Atlanta attracting millennials and seniors who no longer want to live in a home,” he said. “The added rooftops will make Fairview Village more attractive for potential retailers, restaurants and others who are looking to live in a vibrant community with multiple assets that include Village Park, Fairview Recreation Center and Library, the new Performing Arts Center and Panola Mountain Greenway Trail — all located near downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield Jackson Airport.”