Centerville expands limits, considers new senior housing development

CENTERVILLE — Centerville is expanding, adding over 120 acres to city limits following its latest work session on Tuesday, March 18. The largest annexation, a 123-acre property on William Drive, was also rezoned from county to city single-family residential use.

During a public hearing, Steven Rowland, representing Rowland Engineering, Dylan Wingate and Patriot Development Group, said the property adjoins a subdivision under development on Dunbar Road. The expansion will connect to William Drive, Surrey Drive and Kent Drive.

To ensure compliance with city regulations, City Attorney Rebecca Tydings stated that plans and specifications will need to be submitted throughout the process.

In addition to the annexation, council members also heard a proposal for a new housing development. Pete Schwiegeraht, representing Pivotal Housing Partners, introduced “The Villas on Gunn,” a planned nine-acre senior housing village west of the library on Gunn Road’s north side.

The $21 million development is expected to feature 70 to 75 one- and two-bedroom units, designed with open floor plans and modern residential and community amenities.

“​​The community will have a clubhouse, with a community room and a community center, fitness center. Additionally, there’ll be a pod park: a strong, big, open space for residents to hold outdoor recreational activities and outdoor events,” Schwiegeraht explained.

At the next meeting, the city will decide whether to award a Georgia Initiative for Community Housing point to support the developer’s application for federal funding through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. Councilman Justin Wright clarified that awarding the point does not guarantee project approval but helps strengthen the developer’s case with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

“If we award a point to them in our next meeting, that does not guarantee that the project will get approved. That just helps to weight their application as it’s off to the state of Georgia,” Wright said.

Wright believed that the proposed development, a single-story complex, would be a good fit for the area. If ultimately approved, construction is expected to begin in March 2026, with occupancy targeted for late 2027, Schwiegeraht said.

In other business, the city council approved entertainment for this year’s Independence Day Celebration, selecting the band A2Z and a fireworks display by Pyrotechnico Fireworks.

A full livestream of the meeting and supporting documents are available on the city’s Facebook page.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 6 p.m., at Centerville City Hall, 300 E. Church Street.