Since announcing its proposed development, Isakson Living has listened and responded to community concerns about its proposal. Isakson Living has made numerous changes to its proposal, which have:
- Reduced the number of homes by 24%
- Reduced heights of over 50% of the building to 3 stories or less
- Increased buffers with adjoining neighborhoods
- Preserved over 24-acres (45% of the total site) as undisturbed green space
- Incorporated cottages
- And committed to expanding East Cobb Park by donating 9.5 acres to the county.
Isakson Living has acted in good faith and with respect to neighbors of the proposed development. Every attempt has been made to address those concerns while still maintaining the integrity of the proposed development. Unfortunately, Isakson Living’s proposal continues to be misrepresented by misleading accusations about the proposed project. The following are responses to some of the more common misrepresentations.
UNFAIR TO NEARBY SCHOOLS
Concern: School Bus & car routes would all be negatively impacted by the increased traffic.
Response: A traffic study conducted by a professional engineering firm indicates only 1,528 trips per day will be created as a result of the proposed development. While any new development would create more traffic than currently exists, the proposed development will generate trips comparable to a single-family development under the existing zoning during peak AM and PM drive times. Furthermore, the proposed development will create fewer peak trips and less overall trips than if the property were rezoned to an increased residential density.
The existing road between Old Canton Road and Indian Hills Parkway will continue to operate within existing standards with the added traffic and improvements.
(Reference in response to statement that traffic on Roswell, Johnson Ferry, Old Canton and other roads would be gridlocked.)
Concern: Driving, walking and biking to and from these highly rated schools would be less safe.
Response: An equivalent amount of traffic and potentially more could otherwise be created if the property were developed for another use. No study has ever been reported to show that the development of a retirement community increases emergency vehicle traffic more than traffic that already exists.
Many of the pedestrian facilities at the intersection are being maintained or upgraded. Crosswalks with push-button walk signals will be added to all four approaches and the intersection will be brought up to ADA standards. The signal modification plans will include lengthening the left turn lanes on Roswell Road. Turn bay length can improve the safety and operation significantly, especially when vehicles are exceeding the available storage (as they are today). The length of the left turn bay will be more than doubled for those turning left from Roswell Road. Buses will be able to utilize the right turn lane for the site, which will have a longer deceleration length than the shoulder section used today.
(Reference response to statement that traffic on Roswell, Johnson Ferry, Old Canton and other roads would be gridlocked.)
Concern: The development would negatively impact East Cobb Park and Sewell Mill Creek, and less green space overall would be available for children.
Response: If the proposed development is allowed to proceed, East Cobb Park will be enhanced and Sewell Mill Creek preserved through Isakson Living’s commitment to donate and improve 9.5 acres, increasing the size of East Cobb Park by approximately 50%.
This is the 3rd in a series of posts addressing the concerns of the proposed Isakson Living East Cobb community.