Cobb County commissioners again postpone a rezoning decision that could pave the way for a massive mixed-use development at the busy intersection at Shallowford and Johnson Ferry Roads.

The 33-acre development by North Point Ministries would include a four-story church and a mix of retail, restaurants, homes and townhouses.

It first went before commissioners late last year and has been postponed at least twice before. The proposal has changed during that time from a 125-townhome community to a mix of detached homes and townhomes.

Kevin Moore, attorney for North Point Ministries, says developers are trying to work with the wishes of area homeowners and have made changes to the initial plan.

But one of those changes caused commissioners to postpone a decision yet again.

Both commissioners and local residents expressed concern at Tuesday’s hearing over closing Waterfront Drive as part of the development.  Moore says the original plan called for rerouting it but residents complained about that too.

“The road was serving to harm our project more than it was to benefit it and harm the perception of the project more than it was to benefit it,” he says.

Commissioner Monique Sheffield was among commissioners concerned about the impact closing the road would have on nearby homes.

“In the event there are emergencies—fire, ambulance, medical emergencies, I just don’t want to delay any services to residents along that corridor,” she said.

A representative with Cobb’s Department of Transportation said it also opposes closing the road.

A headcount of the audience at the hearing showed more people supported the rezoning than opposed it. But no one besides Moore spoke in favor of it. Commissioners heard a total of 15 minutes of comments from those in opposition including Ruth Michels who represented several neighborhoods.

“We want this area developed, but it needs to be the right development,” she said.

Moore told commissioners he would come back with changes as well as flood plain study in 30 days.

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