City grants 30% parking variance for Gathering mixed-use development

The Alpharetta Planning Commission convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss various topics related to parking variances and developments in the city. The meeting focused on the parking requirements for several mixed-use developments, including City Center, Avalon, and the Gathering.

The discussion began with a review of the parking reductions previously granted to these developments. It was noted that City Center, Avalon, and Lakeview Park had all received a 25% shared parking reduction as part of their approvals. In contrast, the Gathering, located at the intersection of Morrison Parkway and Haines Bridge, did not qualify for a shared parking reduction due to its retail component not sharing parking with other facilities. Instead, the Gathering was approved for a parking variance that allowed for a 30% overall reduction in parking requirements.

Further clarification was provided regarding the parking deck initially proposed for the Gathering. The developers had originally planned to include a parking deck to increase their parking capacity but later decided to remove it. As a result, they reverted to utilizing the parking variance that had been granted earlier.

The meeting also included inquiries from commission members regarding the parking arrangements and easements related to the bank, indicating ongoing concerns about the accuracy of parking numbers and the implications for future developments.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the complexities of parking management in Alpharetta's evolving urban landscape, with decisions made reflecting the city's approach to balancing development needs with parking availability. The commission's discussions will likely influence future planning and development strategies in the area.