Rezoning for Student Housing Development Approved

The Kennesaw City Council convened Monday night and authorized an ordinance which would allow expansion of the U Club on Frey student apartment and townhome complex.

Planners and Engineers Collaborative submitted the rezoning request allowing them to proceed with Phase II of the project, a purpose built student housing development complementary to the existing units at 3995 Frey Road.

The council also authorized a variance request to increase the maximum building height to 55 feet and the density of units to about 21 per acre.

Abington Green Homeowners' Association President David Reed said the number of apartment units is too high to accommodate the number of students that will be parking at the complex. He also said people would use nearby facilities to visit friends and significant others. 

Reed urged both the council and Planners and Engineers to ensure they've done the appropriate research concerning a potential increase in traffic on Frey. This was countered by a representative of American Campus Communities, who said students would be living within walking distance of the campus, which should reduce traffic in the area.

In other student housing news, Kennesaw officials recently at the intersection of Cherokee and McCollum. The development, set for completion by fall 2013, will include shuttle service to and from campus.

Also during Monday's meeting:

• The Voice was presented with the Key to the City. The graduate made it to the quarterfinals of the televised national singing competition before being eliminated in April.

• Mayor Mark Mathews presented Certificates of Excellence to members of Odyssey of the Mind team for , and to Kennesaw Mountain High School's women's tennis team for their undefeated season and region championship.

• Mark Rice was recognized as the 2011 State of Georgia Building Official of the Year.

• The council unanimously approved all items on the consent agenda with a 5-0 vote.