Development News for Flowery Branch, Georgia

City Council Approves $777,000 Road Resurfacing Project

The City Council considered awarding the 2026 Road Resurfacing Improvements Project to Allied Paving Contractors, the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, for $777,000. This project is part of the city's annual paving program funded by SPLOST 8, LMIG, and the general fund. The program has a total budget of $5.67 million, with $3.66 million spent to date, leaving $2.01 million available. Engineers ESG identified streets in need of resurfacing based on payment conditions and traffic usage, including areas in downtown and Sterling. The project involved design, geotechnical evaluations, and bid documents. Ten responsive bids were received, and approval will allow the city to issue a notice to award and execute contract documents.

Ordinance 786 Regarding Mixed-Use Residential Over Business Zoning Passes with Mayor's Tie-Breaking Vote Amidst Council Concerns

The City Council held a second read and voting session for Ordinance 786, which aims to amend the zoning ordinance by adding a definition for 'mixed-use residential over business' and including this use in non-residential zoning districts. Council members expressed concerns about potential loopholes regarding density, parking, and the possibility of mixed-use over business becoming a use-by-right rather than a conditional use due to loose descriptions. Specifically, the ordinance states there is no maximum density limit, which raised concerns about higher-density buildings. The council could not reach a consensus, resulting in a tie vote. Pursuant to the charter, the mayor voted to break the tie.

Residents Raise Concerns Over Development Standards and High Water Bills

A resident, Mark Melkerson, living at 5211 Spring Street, expressed concerns about proposed developments and whether the city is making it too easy to change architectural standards and community character in favor of development [cite: 147-153]. Separately, another resident from 5973 Lights Ferry, living in a small place at The Trails West Multiple Home Park, reported receiving unusually high water bills (over $200 per month) while being the sole resident and having no internal leaks [cite: 154-159]. This resident was facing water shutoff due to inability to pay a bill indicative of thousands of gallons of water [cite: 158-159]. After discussions between the landlord and the city, an unidentified employee from the water department investigated the meter and surrounding areas, leading to the replacement of the meter and resolution of a leak, which corrected the billing issue [cite: 161-171]. The resident expressed gratitude for the employee's help, highlighting the city's citizens who care [cite: 171, 178-179].

Council Approves Lease for 5521 Main Street, Enters Executive Session, and Agrees to Purchase Real Estate

The council considered awarding a lease agreement for 5521 Main Street with Madam Hangover. A motion was made and seconded to approve the lease agreement. The council then proceeded to an executive session to discuss personnel litigation and property matters. Upon exiting executive session, the council added an item to the agenda to purchase real estate with South Hall LLC and approved this purchase with a motion and second. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.