GWINNETT: Why Braselton planners oppose development plan,

Mayor, Town Council will have final say at 7 p.m. Monday.

The Braselton Planning Commission recently recommended denial of a Chateau Elan Resorts project on about 47.56 acres that would allow for 68 new townhouses and 55 detached single-family homes in the Chateau View, Spa View and Pond View areas.

At a recent public hearing, a number of nearby residents expressed concern about the proposed development, including John Stell, an attorney representing 40 Manor Home residents who claim their homes were built and marketed as golfcourse lots. Additional concerns were expressed by those present about the density of the project, parking and traffic issues, and existing zoning that does not allow residences to be constructed in the vineyards.

Following the public input, Planning Commission Member Billy Edwards made a motion to deny the request stating, “The applications being proposed, even with the planning director’s recommendations, simply do not meet multiple town standards in the town’s most renowned area. This establishes a dangerous precedent for all future applications. In addition, as the planning director reports, the design standards proposed appear to conflict with the existing residential character and standards of both the abutting and greater Chateau Elan community.”

Braselton’s mayor and Town Council will have the final say on the request at 7 p.m. Monday at the Braselton Police and Municipal Court Building, 5040 State Route 53.