ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Plans to redevelop the site of the former Harry’s Farmers Market into a subdivision at Upper Hembree and Harris roads have hit a snag amid density concerns.
At its March 25 meeting, the Alpharetta City Council voted 5-1 to defer any action on the project for a month. Mayor Jim Gilvin cast the dissenting vote, and Councilman Fergal Brady was absent.
Some councilmembers said the proposed 19-acre, single-family community could be an opportunity to provide housing to people who otherwise could not afford a home in Alpharetta.
The property, which sits near the Roswell border, was the former Harry’s Farmers Market until 2014, when it was converted into a Whole Foods corporate office and distribution center. The 145,000-square-foot facility has been vacant since 2017.
If redeveloped as presented, the Empire Communities project would include 149 detached homes; a community green space with a swimming pool and clubhouse; and pickleball courts.
Developers are asking for a comprehensive land use plan amendment, variances and a rezoning from planned shopping center to high-density residential to build the community, Fernleaf Park.
The project would require a 35-foot reduction to the property’s undisturbed buffer and a variance to lower the minimum width of each lot from 50 to 31 feet.
Developers said the proposed use would decrease the number of daily trips to and from the site.
The subdivision, they said, would generate 1,148 daily vehicle trips, with 119 in the morning peak hours and 149 in the evening. As a grocery store, the property would see 237 morning trips and 600 in the evening, they said.
The homes would range from 1,800 to 2,600 square feet with a price range of $600,000 to $700,000.
Still, the plans failed to win unanimous support among councilmembers, who were still concerned about the high…
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