Franklin County Commissioners have denied a request for a high density multi family development on commercial property in Eastpoint.
The parcel is just east of the old KOA campground and just north of the Las Brisas residential development.
The county was asked to amend the county's comprehensive plan and re-zone a 4.5 acre parcel on the south side of Highway 98 in Eastpoint from C-2 Commercial Business to R-7 Multi-Family High Density.
R7 allows for up to 15 residential units per acre – though the plan was for a number of quadriplexes and duplexes at no more than 10 units per acre.
The development was being pushed as workforce housing for families who can't afford their own property – though concerns were raised that it could become short term rentals.
The developer did say they would agree to a deed restriction to insure that did not happen.
There was some public comment – mostly opposed to the development.
Many were concerned about spot zoning by putting a residential development in Eastpoint's commercial district.
Concerns were also raised about traffic flow particularly around the intersection of Highway 98 and South Bayshore Drive.
Commission Chairman Ricky Jones said his biggest concern is giving up commercial property now when Eastpoint is beginning to show some economic development.
Commissioner Noah Lockley took an opposing view arguing that Franklin County needs affordable housing and if you can put motels in commercial areas you should be able to put in developments like this too.
The final vote was 4 to 1 opposing the project, only commissioner Noah Lockley voted in favor.
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