The long-stalled Centennial Village housing development received more time to gel from the Conyers City Council Wednesday night. But the developers also heard fair warning that the council likely won't lower zoning standards to help it get built.

Originally planned in 2005 as single-family houses, the 29-lot subdivision at 1581 Centennial Parkway N.E. currently has streets laid out, but no buildings. It abuts both the Georgia International Horse Park and Cherokee Run Golf Club.

Developer R.J. Fields lost the property to foreclosure several years ago, but now has it back. He is asking the city to loosen some of its tight zoning restrictions to allow for front-façade garages and less decorative exterior walls.

But he also asked the council to table its decision until Dec. 18, so his team can "continue trying to salvage the deal, if possible."
The council agreed, but Mayor Randy Mills warned that he is against any zoning changes.

"The last thing I want to see is a tract builder going in and just throw things up," Mills said. Referring to the zoning change request, Mills said, "I can't yield on any of them. [The plan from] eight years ago, that's what I want to see out there."

"The city has to protect its investment" in the nearby horse park and golf course with high-quality development, city planning director Marvin Flanigan later told the News. His department advised against the zoning changes.