Empire Homes, Toll Brothers Win 6-1 Approval for 195 Alpharetta Townhomes After Neighborhood Negotiations

The original application proposed 207 townhomes, but the project changed substantially as it moved through the entitlement process. Residents in the neighboring Stoneridge and Camden Pond communities raised concerns about traffic, buffering, tree preservation, stormwater, pedestrian connections and other impacts.

The developers held repeated meetings with surrounding residents. Camden Pond's HOA president said the community participated in four meetings in addition to the original zoning meeting and that the developers made concessions and changes throughout the process. A Stoneridge representative similarly told council that changes had been made based on neighborhood suggestions.

Those negotiations led to a project that looked materially different by the end of the process. The plan's revision history records a lower unit count, added tree-save areas, a new 60-foot setback along the eastern side, and later changes to setbacks, green space and roads.

The final plan includes 195 homes and 12.85 acres of open space, along with additional sidewalks and pedestrian improvements and a trail connection toward the Big Creek Greenway. Portions of the eastern side of the property also include a 60-foot building setback and 25-foot undisturbed tree-save strip.

By the time the project reached City Council, the months of negotiations had helped secure support from both neighboring HOAs.

A Stoneridge representative described an "unusual amount of cooperation" with Empire and Toll Brothers and said the developers had been open to listening to neighborhood concerns and suggestions. He then told council that Stoneridge supported the proposed development.

Camden Pond's HOA president said all of the association's board members had approved the development and believed the project would be an asset to the surrounding area.

The builders did not eliminate every objection. A separate petition signed by 42 residents continued to seek larger buffers and additional trail improvements.

That HOA support carried weight inside the council chamber.

One council member said he entered Monday night's meeting "not inclined toward this project." Because council was being asked to change a master plan dating back decades, he said the views of the existing neighborhoods were especially important to him.

After hearing representatives from both HOAs speak in support, he said their position had "absolutely" affected his own and added that without their support, he did not know whether he would be inclined to back the project.

Another council member recalled seeing an earlier version of the development and thinking, "There's a lot of houses here, but I don't see a neighborhood."

By Monday night, his assessment had changed. He said successful development teams listen to their neighbors and can end up with a project that works for the city, surrounding residents and the development team.

"I think this is a clear example of that," he said.

The Alpharetta Planning Commission had already recommended approval of the project 7-0 on July 30.

City Council followed Monday night, approving the master-plan amendment, land-use change and rezoning on a 6-1 vote.

195 homes now have zoning approval in Alpharetta.

• City of Alpharetta City Council Staff Report: MP-26-05 / CLUP-26-03 / Z-26-03
• City of Alpharetta City Council Meeting: August 17, 2026
• Public Hearing Application: 3842 Old Milton Parkway
• Amended Site Plan: July 24, 2026
• Resident Petition: Camden Pond / Stoneridge