As we EXCLUSIVELY reported in February, Dean Gardens Subdivision: Construction STOPPED. We now have an update that Lennar wants to SELL Dean Gardens. Therefore, JCP breaks down 3 possible scenarios with Dean Gardens: FOR SALE!
1 A Developer buys the land for large custom estates. This would be a bit pricey, compared to other developments in Johns Creek and less feasible. Multiple lots would have to be combined to allure buyers.
2 Another developer buys it on the contingent of rezoning for higher density. This could be a likely option with the current leadership. As the Mayor stated in the rezoning of Dean Gardens, he wanted the project to be "Financially Viable" to Lennar with the rezoning of 70 houses. Would he be concerned about the financial viability for other developers?
3 The city of Johns Creek buys the land. The most favorable option for the residents, the question is for what price? Lennar will want to recoup their expenses and make a profit. The City will have to invest millions in landscaping and hardscaping to restore what was destroyed by Lennar.
As the City passed up Dean Gardens when Mr. Dean and Tyler Perry both sold it, will 3rd time be a charm?
Thanks for reporting this news, JCP! I posted this on Facebook last week that option 3 is the best case scenario - https://www.facebook.com/chriscoughlinjohnscreek/photos/a.867196806667325.1073741830.851200231600316/1282078035179198/?type=3.
Surely scenario 2 won’t be the outcome here. If so, the Johns Creek City Council will see something quite similar to RZ-14-005, but on steroids.
If the powers-at-be are concerned about developers financially viability, then this is a possibility.
Who has made the City responsible for the financial viability of ANY project? It sounds good, but that is NOT their job. Nor should they alter ANY zoning to make any property more financially viable.
Doing so might make a project happen in the short term. But who is to say that project was the best possible use of that property in the long term?
Let's let the markets figure out what the best uses for the properties are as they are zoned without the City giving higher values to the properties by rezoning for higher densities.
We need some upscale senior housing, preferably ranches, certainly 1st floor masters. There are many people in the area looking to down size in such a sub-division.
Nancy, I have a question or two. Are the seniors desiring to downsize for financial reasons, such as property taxes, or is it more specifically to get to flat floor plans?
Many counties around us offer property tax reductions for those over 65. Fulton County does not. If there were property tax reductions for seniors in Fulton County, would that make their current homes more attractive to stay in?
School Tax should not be charged to residents over 65. Many seniors are helping pay for private schools for their grandchildren so they get a better education than most public schools provide, including ethics and history as well as religion.
Many non-seniors are paying for private school for our children for the same reasons and still forced to pay property taxes for school our children aren't attending. Why should seniors get a pass and the rest of us have to pay more for services not being rendered?
As I have said before in the Johns Creek Post I urge you all to consider revamping that land back to native trees and native plants. There is precious little native land left in Johns Creek. It would be so awesome to have the lands which became Dean Gardens disappear and the natural world restored. A nice public park would be awesome. As a senior citizen I would love to have to walk among the trees and be close to God.
I would be one of the over 55 crowd that would love to downsize into a high quality home. It would be a perfect location. Make it an over 55 very high end community. Allow 100 plus homes on smaller lots. This kind of community with no kids in the homes would limit traffic and not create school problems. They would sell like hot cakes if in the 600 to 800k range. They would need to be high end, custom built homes
There isn't enough "buildable" land for 100 homes.
There is plenty of room if Lott sizes are reduced and home footprints are smaller.
Per the current zoning conditions:
Minimum lot size shall be 11,000 square feet.
The minimum heated floor area per dwelling shall be 2,800 square feet for a
maximum of 15 homes. The balance of the homes shall have a minimum
dwelling size of 3,000 square feet.
Right. So change the zoning.
Good luck with that...
There would be if the density increased with smaller lots
Let’s see, which Anonymous am I talking to here? As for changing the zoning, maybe you’re not familiar with RZ-14-005.
This idea makes too much sense. I love it. I hope some wealthy developer will consider the logistics of how society is moving towards the Aging. Of which I am one of course! Actually aren't we are all?
Momma Nature
p.s. I live in a two-story townhouse and would simply die if I could just walk out to my master bedroom without having to go upstairs.Sigh.
Tiny homes, anyone?
This post is from April 9, 2017.
Deans Gardens has been sold to another developer.
Here is the update:
https://www.johnscreekpost.com/dean-gardens-sold-to-another-developer/