Two driveways for safety? Staff says close the Powers Ferry entrance

The safety case for two driveway entrances at 5395 Powers Ferry Road has produced the opposite recommendation from Sandy Springs staff: restore access to North Powers Ferry Road and close the entrance on Powers Ferry Road.⁠[1]

Owner Rubal Chaudhry reports two near-collisions while exiting onto Powers Ferry Road, citing the road’s curve, trees and restricted visibility. His application argues that two entrances would improve circulation and emergency access, with automated gates preventing cut-through traffic.⁠[1]

Community Development staff recommends denying variance V-26-61 in its October 28 report. Public Works reviewers see the reported hazards as a reason to move access to the other road: “These conditions support eliminating, not retaining, the Powers Ferry Road driveway access.” Staff says the application has not demonstrated why a single eastern entrance could not reasonably serve the home.⁠[1]

The road classifications matter. Powers Ferry Road is a collector street; North Powers Ferry Road is a minor street. For this property, the city’s Technical Manual directs access away from the collector when another frontage is available. Public Works also says gates would not improve sight distance.⁠[1]

Our earlier report described the applicant’s request as retaining two existing entrances. The October 28 staff report says the North Powers Ferry Road curb cut has been removed. The proposal would restore that connection while keeping the western entrance.⁠[1]

The engineering questions remain unresolved. Public Works cautions that its review has not independently verified the applicant’s sight-distance figures. Sight-distance, grade and turnaround requirements for the North Powers Ferry Road alternative also need confirmation.⁠[1]

The Board of Appeals is scheduled to consider the request Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at Sandy Springs City Hall, 1 Galambos Way. Staff’s recommendation is not a board decision.⁠[1][2]