Some Planning Commission members on Monday chided an Augusta, Ga., developer for not talking with Lincoln Park residents about a proposal to construct 387 multi-family residential units on a 17.7-acre former manufacturing site on Riverside Drive. The location is across from the Boathouse Restaurant.
However, Commissioner Don Moon said he might have done the same thing. He said a large railroad yard separates Lincoln Park from the site. Noting that the problem is also by the water company and Citico Creek, he said, "I don't know where I would have found any neighbors."
However, City Commissioner Yusuf Hakeem and City Administrator Donna Williams said he should have made the effort. A Lincoln Park leader said she exchanged emails with developer Chris Senn, but he never got back to her.
The project was deferred for 30 days so the contact can take place.
County Commissioner Joe Graham said he felt Lincoln Park residents should welcome the apartment project, saying it would be much preferable to a noisy manufacturing operation. The site is zoned commercial and is the location of the old Cumberland Case (later Cannon IMI) operation.
Mr. Senn said he plans to tear down all the warehouses on the 17.7-acre property except for possibly one old building.
He said he has completed phase 1 and phase 2 environmental assessments and will seek brownfield status for the project.
Mr. Senn plans several three- and four-story buildings with a density of approximately 22 dwelling units per acre.
The applicant is also proposing a clubhouse and pool, and intends to provide recreation access along Citico Creek.
Mr. Senn said access will be off Riverside Drive. He said he did not know if a proposed Central Avenue Extension is going to be built through the tract. Studies are still underway on that project.