Brookhaven’s Community Development Department is recommending denial of a plan to annex property at the intersection of Briarcliff and Clairmont roads, which would also prevent a controversial development from moving forward.
Developer Jay Gipson wants to build a gas station, fast-food restaurant and service station on northwest corner of the busy intersection. He brought his proposal to Brookhaven only after the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners refused to sign off.
Before Gipson can building anything, Brookhaven must first annex the property and a nearby apartment complex into city limits.
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Tonight's Planning Commission meeting is the first time the proposal will be discussed formally in Brookhaven, and a report from the Community Development Department recommends rejecting it.
The city’s vision for the Interstate 85 corridor is high-density developments like office towers and condominiums that are 10 stories or higher, the report said.
“It is the opinion of the staff that the proposal is not in conformity with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan Policies,” staff wrote. “Therefore, based on these reasons, the staff recommends DENIAL of the rezoning and special land use petitions.”
If the Planning Commission decides to approve the project anyway, staff recommended the developer be required to meet conditions like limiting the size of the buildings, installing privacy fencing and directing all lighting away from nearby properties.
Staff also recommended the city not annex the Camden St. Clair apartments, which is a prerequisite for the Clairmont and Briarcliff annexation to happen.
The Planning Commission’s decision will be reviewed by the Brookhaven City Council, which will have final say on Gipson’s project.
The meeting tonight will begin at 7 p.m. at Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road. However, Planning Commission members also could discuss the proposal and staff report during a work session at 5 p.m. in the same location.
