The Planning Commission on Monday deferred action on a rezoning request for a new Veterans Administration medical facility at the 6400 block of Shallowford Road as well as an adjacent cottage courts development.
City Councilwoman Carol Berz said nearby residents, after working with developers of the VA facility on a 25-acre tract had been startled to find that the large property had been split up.
The VA facility will now go on 17 acres, and a developer is building 82 cottage units on the remaining property.
Ms. Berz said, "This was kind of sprung on the neighborhood. All of a sudden that's two properties."
She said there was no intent to change the sought-after new zoning, "but to change an uncomfortable situation into a win win for everybody."
Ms. Berz said one stormy session was had with developers and another is needed. So the Planning Commission went along with a month's delay.
One issue is a connection to nearby Standifer Gap Road for the VA facility. The developer said the VA requires two entrances. Neighbors noted that Standifer Gap is a narrow, winding road.
The formerly wooded site had been stripped clear of vegetation, it was stated.
The VA facility will include 500 parking spaces.
The developer said a veteran will be able to enter the 100,000-square-foot facility and "get medical help, see a dentist or get mental health treatment" plus a number of other specialties.