Image is page 40 of Revised Rezoning Application.
(Editor’s note: Here is background for your understanding on a significant tract of land which has become controversial in the concept planning. The author is the founder of the Mountain Park Community Association, and led the organization for four years. She is a geologist and retired professional engineer. —eeb)
By Kate L. Pittman
MOUNTAIN PARK | At the October zoning hearing, the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a revised rezoning application for the Olympic tennis site off U.S. 78 near Stone Mountain.
The application, submitted by Gwinnett Planning and Fuqua Development, includes a “Big Box” store (rumored to be a Costco). To address concerns raised by individuals and the Mountain Park Community Association, an impressive number of conditions were included in the revised application, ensuring this Mixed-Use development serves the needs of the community and encourages future revitalization.
This is a win-win for Southwest Gwinnett and unincorporated Mountain Park, as supporters will get their Costco and opposition will get improvements that promote revitalization and address community needs.
The next step is drawing up the contract for sale of the property to Fuqua Development. The county is expected to issue a press release once a contract is written.
To understand the opposition to Fuqua Development’s original plan for this property, a little background is required. This site was the highly-visible location of the 1996 Olympic tennis matches. For the 30 years Dekalb County owned it, the property was neglected and the stadium crumbled, creating an eyesore.
In spite of Dekalb County’s neglect, the location is uniquely endowed with what makes real estate valuable: “Location, location, location”. It lies between Stone Mountain Freeway (U.S. Highway 78) and the granite outcrop of Stone Mountain, directly on the Gwinnett/Dekalb County Line, with 1/3-mile of frontage on U.S. 78 and several hundred feet of property line shared with the golf course in Stone Mountain Park.
Former Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman, Charlotte Nash, recognized the property’s potential to create a landmark in southwest Gwinnett County. Under her leadership, the county purchased the Olympic venue through a land swap with Dekalb County. The land was cleared within a year of the purchase to make it construction-ready. Then it went out to bid, asking developers for a livable, walkable, mixed-use concept to create a landmark “Southern Gateway” that would make Gwinnett proud. The county’s original vision definitely did not include 30 acres of impermeable parking or a Costco.
Members of the opposition have been fighting for revitalization of the area for four years or more. They saw Gwinnett’s “Southern Gateway” vision as a step toward revitalization and improved quality of life for the Mountain Park community and surrounding area. Those opposing the rezoning were not specifically against a Costco being located in the general area, they were opposed to building it on this particular property.
The hearing was delayed for months while modifications were made to the original plan and conditions were included in the resulting revised application. Details are still being hammered out regarding what portion of the property’s tax revenue will be used toward revitalization of the surrounding commercial area.
During a six-month process, Jeff Fuqua of Fuqua Development, Commissioner Ben Ku and other board members, the Planning Commission, and Gwinnett Planning and Development, all worked with input from the community to negotiate a win-win solution. Not everyone is happy with the compromise, but there is something in this agreement for everyone.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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