New zoning rules applying to a 165-acre tract of land in Doraville previously home to a GM plant will reportedly help to open that site up and put it back to use. The plant was closed down back in 2008 in an effort by the auto manufacturer to restructure its business, and has been sitting idle since. Atlanta readers may know that the property is on the intersection of the Atlanta Perimeter, three miles from the DeKalb Peachtree Airport.
The new zoning rules have been recognized as a major opportunity for redevelopment of the site. The rules specifically give potential developers the option of a variety of uses for the property. One developer has envisioned transforming the property into a transit hub, which could be a big boon the area in a variety of ways. All of this could become a possibility because of the new zoning rules, which allow for a master plan including mixed uses for the property.
Mixed-use refers to a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Such developments are not without their challenges, particularly with respect to achieving an optimal placement and separation between industrial and residential uses, but successful developers can make them work.
Urban development, of course, is closely bound to zoning rules and developers need to have a good grasp of these rules, as well as how to go about requesting variances and campaigning for approval. The most important thing in this area of law is to be prepared. Good development planning can save a good deal of time and money.
Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle, “Doraville GM plant redevelopment gains momentum,” Douglas Sams, June 18, 2014.