Two new apartment complexes are further underway in Augusta, including one in south Augusta, on Windsor Spring Road.
During its meeting Monday, the Augusta Planning Commission addressed a petition by Athens, Ga.-based real estate developer Hillpointe, LLC, made on behalf of Bailey Mura Sr., to rezone about 29 acres at 1936 Windsor Spring Rd. from Agriculture to R-1A and R-1A one-family residential to R-3B multi-family residential.
Planning and development department staff reported that one permanent dwelling, one manufactured home and “possibly two accessory structures” currently occupy the property. Hillpointe aims to build 500 two-bedroom units in up to three two-story buildings, at 16 units per acre, and over 1,080 parking spaces. The complex is also to include amenities such as a clubhouse, a pool area and a fitness center.
“Staff brought up some good points that perhaps we should reduce that a little bit,” said Jeff Carter of Carter Engineering Services, speaking to the Planning Commission on behalf of Hillpointe.
The complex was initially intended to be 540 unit, which would have pushed against the maximum density of 17.4 unites per acre.
“We did come down to 500 units and we’re perfectly okay with that. So we are under the maximum allowable density,” Carter said.
This project seems to meet all of the conference goals in the city and we’re happy to be a part of community and looking forward to develop here and I hope to have your support.
Staff also noted that the project might still require an assessment by the Augusta traffic engineer, but that a preliminary traffic worksheet submitted by the developer indicated that no public roadways will be constructed.
Carter, however, did tell the commissioners that a traffic study had been done, and that turning lanes will be installed in and out of the development despite not appearing in the version of the concept plans submitted to Planning and Development.
“This project seems to meet all of the conference goals in the city,” said Carter. “We’re happy to be a part of community and looking forward to develop here and I hope to have your support.
The apartment project is one of several new residential developments planned in south Augusta as of late. Homebuilder Stanley Martin Homes received a recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission to rezone more than 200 acres along Patterson Bridge, Nunnery and Windsor Roads for 564 detached and townhomes. As Stanley Martin has since withdrawn the application without prejudice, that development has yet to go before the Augusta Commission.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to to recommend approval of Hillpointe’s rezoning request.
Ivey Development’s request to rezone some 28 acres of land along Wheeler and Roy Roads and 1156 Interstate Parkway also went before the commissioners Monday. The petition, made on behalf of the Patricia Anne Bargeron Estate, seeks to change the area from Agriculture to R-3B multiple-family residential.
The Evans-based developer seeks to rezone the parcel for the sake of building 262 apartment units within a pair of two-story buildings, a small maintenance building, a pool and clubhouse, dog park and 50% of the site dedicated to open space.
Matt Ivey of Ivey Development said the complex would be similar to other developments the builders have worked on in Columbia County.
The Planning Commission also unanimously voted to approve the rezoning.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
