The Planning Commission on Monday recommended approval for two projects aimed at converting motels for other residential use. The City Council will have the final ruling.
The Motel 6 at 5505 Brainerd Road will be converted to 102 one-bedroom apartment units.
Harry Patel of JDH Developers of Atlanta said the move should cut down on 911 calls to the location and lessen problems for neighbors.
He said JDH just completed two similar conversions totaling 300 units at Rome, Ga.
Under the apartment setup, renters undergo a background check and sign a year’s lease.
Mr. Patel said, “This is taking a hotel and converting it to a better use.”
In the second case, city officials said they are issuing an RFP for an owner/developer/property manager of the former Airport Inn at 7725 Lee Highway.
He said the city plans to transfer the property to a developer who will convert the rooms to apartment units and provide supportive services and affordable rents to the residents.
An official of the nearby Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson said the location is the haunt of prostitutes and those who use drugs, which he said does not jive with his dealership’s “high-end clientele.” He said the situation has worsened since the city took over, and people are living in tents and cardboard boxes.
The city put a fence around the motel, but some people were able to get in, it was stated.