Opponents of a proposed mixed-use development along the Savannah River pitched their concerns to the mayor and city council last week.
River North residents told the council at a Jan. 14 study session that Kingery Landing development would increase traffic congestion and lower property values in their neighborhood. They asked the council to protect their investments.
"I was raised that the government was for the people and by the people," said resident J.J. Ford. "What do we have now?"
L.H. Simkins Jr. is seeking approval for Kingery Landing, a 30-acre neighborhood near the Fifth Street bridge, with as many as 256 luxury apartments and about 40 single-family homes. Johnson Development Associates Inc. plans to build and operate the apartment community.
The proposal is tied to a rezoning request by the developer of the adjacent River North community, who wants to develop 10 acres that would become part of that neighborhood. Those plans also call for about 15 additional single-family houses and some commercial uses in River North.
The new neighborhood is on a landlocked parcel that would have to connect to U.S. Highway 1 by way of River North Drive. River North residents said their neighborhood's entrance, which ties into the on-ramp from the bridge to U.S. 1 North, can't handle increased traffic demands.
A traffic study commissioned by the developers said the road could accommodate the increased traffic.
G.M. "Skip" Grkovic, the city's director of Economic and Community Development, said state funding has been approved for interchange improvements at U.S. 1 and River North Drive.
He said there is a chance the state will accept a bid for the project in March. A previous round of bidding failed to generate a bid by a qualified construction firm, transportation officials have said.
Grkovic said the developers of Kingery Landing and River North would have to finance improvements to River North Drive, such as acceleration and deceleration lanes, if the council OKs their plans. A roundabout inside River North might also require improvements.
The Kingery Landing proposal will go before the council Feb. 4. A River North resident said they intend to bring upwards of 150 people to the next council meeting. Council chambers seat about 70.
Reach J. Scott Trubey at scott.trubey@northaugustatoday.com.
