Residents Say "Tucker Charm" Threatened by Giant Proposed Development

An Atlanta-based developer is proposing over 100 new homes in the City of Tucker and some area residents are not pleased.  The Ardent Companies, headquartered near SunTrust Park, has submitted plans to the City of Tucker to redevelop just over 16 acres along Lawrenceville Highway into 100 single family homes and townhomes.  

The overall development is actually two separate assemblages, both along Lawrenceville Highway, but on opposite sides of the road.  

The larger of the two developments would encompass 9.4 acres on the south side of Lawrenceville Highway.  Here, Ardent plans to redevelop the heavily wooded, mostly residential lots at 3193, 3207, 3217, 3227 and 3259 Lawrenceville Highway and 3563 Bishop Drive into 64 townhomes.  

The Cecil L. Strickland Family Trust, which owns 3207, 3217 and 3227 Lawrenceville Highway, makes up about half of the total assemblage with its properties totaling 4.65 acres, according to a sales listing on LoopNet.  (Strickland Realty Co. is located at 3217 Lawrenceville Highway.) 

Avery Hills, a townhome community built in 2005, consists of about 60 units and is situated to the right of the planned 9.4 acre development.   

On the north side of Lawrenceville Highway, Ardent intends to redevelop about 7.2 acres into 40 new single family homes.  This smaller parcel is made of of existing lots at 3254, 3298, 3304  & 3320 Lawrenceville Highway and 4448 & 4530 Henderson Drive.    

The 7.2 acre parcel would be built to the right of where RaceTrac and Bojangles' opened new locations in early 2013 and mid-2014 respectively.   

For Ardent to build the number of units they have planned per development, they need both to be rezoned from R-75 to RSM. 

Concerned residents cite increased traffic, increased storm water runoff, increased burden on an aging sewer system, loss of green space and wildlife habitat, and irreversible changes to the character of the area, among other things, as reasons that the development should not be approved.   

A number of concerned residents have taken to local Facebook group Tucker Town Talk to voice their objections.  

"One of the prettiest roads to Tucker will look like a housing crammed street! With traffic to go with it.  I hope our City Council and Commissioners will recognize the importance of leaving the zoning as it is (R-75) and be patient for a builder to build beautiful homes, as it is zoned for, that will blend with and enhance the beauty and street! Come to this meeting & hear more about the builders plans and what neighbors think.  If you don’t speak up now this will start a trend in our city and soon we will be “Townhome Tucker” , looking like so many other cities with new crammed developments around town and lose our beauty and appeal! We will go from green to concrete!"

While there are definitely vocal residents opposed to the development, others seem to see the silver lining of an increased tax base for the young city.  Others point out that the current landowners are simply cashing out, capitalistic certainly, but not "wrong" or unjust.  

The Strickland family property 

The Tucker Planning Commission will hear the request at the City Hall Annex 4228 1st Avenue, Tucker  on Thursday December 28, at 7:00pm.  Tucker's Community Council heard the requests on November 8 and has recommended approving both.  After the Planning Commission meeting, the case(s) will be heard by the Mayor and City Council on January 8th and 22nd.  

The full rezoning requests can be reviewed here. 

Tucker became its own city in late 2015.  In the years since, the City of Tucker has continued to attract young new residents with its small town charm, area amenities and proximity to Atlanta and surrounding communities and attractions.  With the increased interest from residents and would-be residents comes the unfortunate reality of increased interest from residential developers.  

Earlier this summer, The Tucker City Council voted against rezoning the former Sears property to make way for a giant mixed use development.  The project, "The Rise," would have been located on the 88-acre site off Hugh Howell Road and Mountain Industrial Boulevard.  Decaturish provided extensive coverage of the project , which like this latest proposed development, seemed to split residents.  

Are you in favor of the planned residential developments on Lawrenceville Highway? What would you like to see happen to the subject properties if not the massive townhome projects?  What is your favorite part of Tucker?

Please share your thoughts below.