Self-storage plan in Flowery Branch may have future road issue

Jeff Gill, The Times, Gainesville, Ga.
·2 min read

Oct. 31—Update: The site plan for a proposed self-storage development off McEver Road in Flowery Branch will need to be reviewed in light of the road's eventual widening to four lanes, Councilman Joe Anglin said Thursday, Nov. 3.

Speaking during a public hearing on the project, he said right of way would need to be considered, as Hall County especially favors wide roads with medians and sidewalks.

The proposal drew similar concerns from a nearby resident, Mary Willis, who said she otherwise thought the use of the property was fine.

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Previous article: A 147,200-square-foot self-storage development could be coming to the busy Flowery Branch intersection of Gaines Ferry Road and McEver Road.

The self-storage units would be spread out among several buildings on the 7-acre site, also off Bell Drive and across from Four Seasons on Lanier subdivision. Access to the development would be off Bell Drive and McEver Road, according to a map of the development.

The development "would provide a needed service to the surrounding neighborhoods while acting as a transitional use between the boat storage and nearby residential," according to a letter from Shamrock Building Systems, a Smyrna company that builds storage facilities.

Atlanta-based Coro Realty is seeking a conditional use permit to be able to build the development, with a public hearing on the request set for Thursday, Nov. 3, before Flowery Branch City Council. The property is zoned highway business.

The area around the Gaines Ferry/McEver intersection has some development planned, including a gas station and a housing/retail project, The Farm.

Another convenience store proposed at the crossing was dealt a setback in February when Flowery Branch City Council denied a variance that would have allowed easier access for fuel trucks.

Otherwise, that section of McEver Road is highly traveled. A traffic study is also expected to be presented at Thursday's meeting, suggesting that either a roundabout be built or turn lanes added at Gaines Ferry Road.

Flowery Branch City Council

What: Public hearing for proposed 147,200-square-foot self-storage development

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3

Where: Flowery Branch City Hall, 5410 W. Pine St.