Cherokee Mixed-Use Development Project Clears Hurdle
By Nancy Badertscher, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jul. 22–A massive mixed-use development that would stretch across 2,300 acres in Canton and unincorporated Cherokee County and include more than 2,000 houses has cleared a major hurdle.
The Canton Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-3 Monday night to recommend approval of the project that was first proposed more than two years ago by PEC Development Group.
The project, known as Canton West, would have retail space, office space and a 1,200-student elementary school. It also would include 2,050 single-family detached units, as well as townhouse condos, high-rise condos and senior housing.
The plans have been reviewed and approved by two state planning agencies, the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority.
The project requires that the city annex about 910 acres and approve a zoning change from agriculture to planned unit development (PUD), according to Canton’s planning department.
The planning commission’s recommendation goes before the Canton City Council on Aug. 21. A second public hearing and vote are set for Sept. 18.
Linda Flory, with the Cherokee Coalition for Responsible Growth, said her group objects to the project and plans to make a strong showing at the September council meeting.
She called Monday night’s vote “a shock, a real shock.”
Flory said the project goes against the local land use plan and against what most people want to see in the county.
“Cherokee County is a place similar to Milton, where people want to go and enjoy a different lifestyle.”
She said opponents also worry about the environmental impact on Allatoona Lake, which borders part of the project.
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