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By Anne Clarke, contributor

Avondale Estates city commissioners during a May 23 meeting raised several objections to a proposed apartment development.

Trammell Crow Residential is planning a 286-unit mixed use development at East College, Hillyer Avenue and Maple Street.

Mayor Jonathan Elmore said he was “on the fence” while Commissioners Adela Yelton and Lisa Shortell were opposed to the proposed development and its deviation from the city’s master plan.

 

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Commissioner Lionel Laratte was for the project and said it would increase tax revenue on the property from current $30,000 over five years to $750,000 over five years.

Commission Brian Fisher said he was for the project and appreciated the changes in design to provide connectivity on the site.

Trammell Crow had reduced the number of rental units from 300 to 286. They added park space and courtyards as well as a new through street.

Public comment was squarely against the density of the project.

“It is just too large,” said one resident.

“The character of the city is gone,” said another resident.

“Why accept development that tears the master plan to pieces,” yet another resident said.

A resident pointed out that if the development can move forward, the city will have added 500 rental units to the city limits. A 200-unit apartment complex is already under construction on East College.

Trammell Crow is asking to increase the building footprint three times larger than defined zoning and the 2014 approved master plan.

The Board of Commissioners and Mayors decided to have a fiscal impact study done on the project before it can move forward.

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