Hundreds in Cobb County oppose subdivision plans

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of residents in West Cobb County are lining up against a proposed subdivision that would build twice as many homes as the current zoning allows.

Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Jim Strickland says the developer has heard the complaints before. Strickland covered a fight with a similar plan in which the developer prevailed in 2015.

"What I think has been missed in this whole discussion is the reality of a senior oriented community," said Mark Carruth, managing partner of Windsong Properties.

Carruth told Strickland that their average buyer is 67 years old, with no job and no children. Carruth says Windsong residents have no desire to drive in rush hour.

Opponent Tania Pereira isn't convinced.

"I think these people are working.  It's just going to be 136 homes with a great deal more traffic than if there were 50 homes in there," she said.

Her online petition, called noz75, in reference to the proposal's application number, has garnered more than 800 signatures.

Eric Burt's retired parents oppose the Windsong development. %

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"What was your gut reaction when you learned that was going to be in mom and dad's backyard?" Strickland asked.

"I about hit the floor," Burt said. "We'd prefer the 50 houses that this was originally zoned for."

The developer says those households would be younger families with jobs, kids and cars.

"The traffic for our community would be less than if it were developed under its current zoning category," Carruth said.

The debate will find its way to the Cobb Commission in three weeks. County staffers have recommended against rezoning for the development. The Planning and Zoning board approved it.

Windsong says its typical resident has lived in Cobb for years and now wants to downsize close to home.

The commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18.

Cox Media Group