Saturday, April 6, 2023–3:38 p.m.
-Adam Carey, Rome News-Tribune-
This story is possible because of a news-sharing agreement with the Rome News-Tribune. More information can be found at northwestgeorgianews.com
The Rome-Floyd Planning Commission split its recommendations for two townhouse developments in Rome.
The citizen board recommended approval of a rezoning request for a six-townhome project on West Eighth Avenue, proposed by Rome City Commissioner Wayne Robinson, a local developer. They recommended the denial of a rezoning request for 14 townhomes on the North Broad Extension.
However, should the full city commission approve Robinson’s rezoning request, he would still need a variance approved for parking lot access, according to Rome Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood.
By a 5 to 3 vote, the planning commission recommended the denial of a rezoning request for 14 townhomes, developed by Walt Busby’s KC Homes, out of concerns about adding traffic to the North Broad Extension.
The area has seen significant growth in recent years, and residents remain opposed to additional housing without the widening and renovation of the North Broad Extension.
Wood stated during the meeting that city engineers had told him that road improvements would be coming soon. However multiple planning commission members and meeting attendees from the neighborhood expressed skepticism.
Also on Thursday, the board unanimously recommended a special use permit to allow an adult day care facility in South Rome.
“Help me help them — the underserved,” applicant Tamika Fitzgibbons said.
The facility is proposed to house special needs adults and patients with dementia, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The building will require extensive renovation as well as approval from state agencies, Fitzgibbons said.
Additionally, the board unanimously recommended the denial of an RV park on Davis Road in Cave Spring.
Multiple commissioners questioned the feasibility of an RV park in a flood plain and local residents complained of crime and bringing a transient population to the area U.S. 411.
The recommendations will go to the elected city and county commissions for final decisions.
