GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County commissioners approved a controversial 197-home development Tuesday despite passionate opposition from residents who warned the project could put future homeowners at risk of flooding.
The 4-1 vote allows CKK Development Services to change zoning conditions for 93 acres on Oleander Drive near the Yellow River to move forward with building the subdivision.
“The houses that are built on that elevation will not last for the 30-year mortgage term,” said concerned neighbor Jessica Owens.
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Opponents argued the homes would be built too close to the water and expressed concerns about increased stormwater runoff and added traffic on narrow roads.
CKK’s Duncan Corley addressed the flooding concerns, promising to conduct a flood study before construction begins.
“There is no intention on my part to build homes in the floodplain,” Corley said.
The developer said the project meets zoning standards and would add infrastructure like roads and sewer lines at no cost to taxpayers. The plan includes amenities such as pickleball courts, walking trails and a boat launch.
Under the subdivision design, CKK would build on smaller lots in exchange for preserving 40% of the land as open space, including floodplain areas.
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Commissioner Ben Ku, who represents the area, supported the proposal with additional safety conditions.
“I would rather take this opportunity to upgrade and enhance the conditions and add some additional restrictions to improve traffic and infrastructure impacts that will benefit the entire community,” said Ku.
The project has faced opposition for nearly two decades. The county first denied a similar proposal in 2006, then approved it in 2015 with strict conditions, including underground water storage systems on each lot.
The approval allows CKK to move forward with detailed site plans, but the company must meet flood and stormwater regulations before construction begins.
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