City Council discusses increasing density level of multi-family housing

City Council, News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Ellijay City Council discussed increasing the density level of multi-family housing during their meeting on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

Mayor Al Hoyle stated that this was in reaction to the current density level being one unit per half acre, whereas other cities of the same size typically have 10-12 units per acre.

Ethan Calhoun discusses changes to the multi-family housing density.

Ethan Calhoun was present during the meeting to discuss the changes to the density level and weigh in on Ellijay’s current density level against other surrounding counties such as Pickens and Fannin.

The change would allow for 7,500 square feet for the first unit and 3,000 square foot per additional unit, not to exceed 12 units unless special permission is given.

Council member Al Fuller stated his concerns regarding the effects this would have on the county in general. This would allow for many more people in the community, and thus there would be additional traffic and stress on the school system.

This change will hopefully allow for more affordable housing in the area though, and an ordinance update reading is expected to be ready for a council meeting in two weeks.

The council also approved the purchase of a used 2010 four-wheel drive backhoe for the road department during the meeting (38:20). The backhoe costs $25,000 which is expected to come from the special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST) budget.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx_uByFQ5g4[/embedyt]

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7 Comments

  1. robert schmidt May 13, 2019 at 5:25 am

    who profits from increasing the density levels, certainly not the residents! if people want to live in an area where sub-divisions spring up on every piece of land that will support it then they should move there and leave Ellijay alone!!

  2. Tom Snyder May 13, 2019 at 12:53 pm

    Completely against this as are most citizens of Gilmer County. People live here for what it is now, a small town in the mountains. If someone wants to live with proposals like this they can move there.
    Politicians leave our county alone!!!
    We want it to stay as is, NOT huge growth like you propose.

  3. William McRae May 14, 2019 at 9:47 am

    When you increase the density level you are also increasing needs from the City and County Governments in supporting these increases in population. That in turn leads to property tax increase to pay for the additional population needs. Why would we want to vote ourselves a tax increase when we desire to live in a small Town Community. I say NO!!! NO!!! to a density increase!!!

  4. Tim P. May 15, 2019 at 11:04 am

    Please leave things alone! This community wants to remain a small community. If you truly represent the people in Ellijay, you will help us to remain the same small community we have always been and wish to remain.

  5. Suzan Harrison May 16, 2019 at 9:16 am

    We moved here from a small town that was taken over by the film industry. There are several reasons that we chose to make this area home. Less traffic, no stress living, good honest people, no apartment buildings on every corner and the wildlife.
    If the housing density is increased it will ruin the draw of this area. We do not need more people or traffic in this area. Right now this community has wonderful values I would like our community to stay as it is. Welcoming to those that visit and loyal to those that live here.

  6. Norman phelps May 16, 2019 at 10:58 am

    Norm P. I would support the increase in density if it pertained and limited to senior living, over 55 years of age. It would be a plus for the area especially if something designated with Nursing availability, allowing occupants to come and go as they wish.

  7. Geraldine Petkus May 22, 2019 at 6:22 am

    I’am against this we are farm land & we need to keep our beautiful mountains of gilmer scenic will bring in more drugs & traffic

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