Members of the Form Based Code Committee on Thursday approved variances to allow a project with 29 condos on a railroad right of way by Adams Street to go forward.
Justin Tirsun of Chazen Engineering said there were originally 37 condos planned on the narrow strip of property off Main Street at the Central of Georgia railroad crossing.
He said the project was designed so that the project will not look like a formless large complex, but as individual townhomes.
He said there will be underground tanks used on the site to help store the large amount of water that collects there. He said it will be designed to keep water at the site as well as handle water that comes there from adjacent properties.
Brandon Sutton, city transportation director, suggested that there be five-foot sidewalks instead of six foot. He said that would allow seven feet for on street parking - though street trees would be eliminated.
Noelle Omer, who lives nearby on E. 18th Street, said the project would exacerbate existing parking problems. She said there is an influx of non-residents who park on neighborhood streets and walk to nearby popular Southside spots.
She also said a number of condos already built in that section have been turned into short term vacation rentals. She said those guests usually park on the street rather than using garages.
Ms. Omer said, "Adding this condo complex is like adding a hotel to the neighborhood."