Development News for Mableton, Georgia

Mabelton Approves Rezoning for Duplex Development on South Gordon Road, Excludes Accessory Dwelling Unit

The City Council held the second reading and voted on a rezoning application for 640 South Gordon Road. The applicant, Mr. Quentin Wiggles, requested to rezone the property from R20 to Residential Duplex (RD) to develop a duplex (two units) and a habitable accessory dwelling unit (HADU). Staff recommended approval with conditions, including a 10-foot landscape buffer, adherence to modern farmhouse architectural style, minimum two-car garage per unit, and limiting the total density to RD guidelines. Crucially, staff's recommendation and the ordinance as drafted would *not* permit the HADU, meaning only the duplex structure would be allowed. Additional stipulations included maximum impervious surface of 40%, adherence to water, sewer, stormwater, fire, and DOT requirements, and donation of additional right-of-way for a minimum of 40 feet from the centerline. Council discussed concerns about parking and the potential for increased density, with Councilwoman Brown advocating for increased housing affordability and density in appropriate areas. Councilman Neely made a motion to approve with modified conditions, including the mandatory installation of sidewalks per code, which was seconded and approved by the council.

Lowe's and Friends of Concord Covered Bridge Honored for Beautification Efforts

The City Council recognized Lowe's and the Friends of Concord Covered Bridge Historic District for their contributions to the beautification of the Concord Covered Bridge during the Spring Ramble event. Councilwoman Brown highlighted the importance of the bridge as a historic structure and thanked Lowe's for their support, emphasizing community partnership and civic pride. The recognition celebrated Lowe's generous contribution of plants and flowers, which helped showcase the bridge to visitors and support historic preservation.

Mabelton Secures $300,000 Grant for Safe Streets and Roads Initiative

The City Council approved a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant agreement for FY25. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, amounts to $240,000, with a $60,000 local match, totaling $300,000. This funding will support the development of comprehensive safety action plans and implement roadway improvements aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries through a safe system approach. Staff will work on a scope of work to retain professional consultants to identify problem spots, analyze crash data, and develop recommendations for improving road safety. The grant is seen as a way to unlock future federal funding for infrastructure improvements.

Mabelton Adopts Historic Preservation Ordinance

The City Council approved the historic preservation ordinance on its second reading. The ordinance establishes a Historic Preservation Commission with seven members, at least three of whom must be professionals in relevant fields (architecture, history, planning, archaeology). Members will serve three-year terms. The ordinance includes criteria for selecting historic districts and landmarks. Revisions made between the first and second readings include removing a time limit on moratoriums for applications during district consideration, adding the surrounding neighborhood to criteria for reviewing certificates of appropriateness, and allowing the commission to adopt design guidelines instead of the Mayor and Council. The initial terms for commissioners were also corrected to ensure staggered terms (two with one-year, two with two-year, and three with three-year terms). The council thanked the Friends of the Concord Covered Bridge for their input.