FLOWERY BRANCH — Two Flowery Branch residents protested a planned Church Street duplex Thursday night.

Mitchell Street residents Mike Gaddis and David Roberts both said plans for the half-acre development don’t fit in with the surrounding neighborhood of single-family homes.

Also, Gaddis said he is concerned the duplex, which would sit off Mooney Street, would burden area roads, which he believes need improvement.

And Gaddis worried about the duplex as a rental property, "which means different groups of people (living there) every few months."

"I’m afraid if we get the duplex, it will set a precedent for more," he added.

Bill Roberts of Lula is proposing to build the duplex, with would have two 1,200-square-foot units. Each unit will feature two bedrooms and bathrooms and a two-car garage, according to city paperwork.

Roberts, who is not related to David Roberts, spoke to council about his plans.

"I have other rental properties in Flowery Branch, and I do background checks on all the people I rent to," he said. "... I do that to keep out the bad trash."

As to people moving in and out, "I require a year’s lease to start with," Roberts said. "And on top of that, I’ve got people living in my property who have been there over 10 years."

City officials are recommending approval of the project with several conditions involving utilities, landscaping, right-of-way, architecture and site design.

The matter is set to go before City Council for a vote on May 6. That meeting, taking place at City Hall at 5517 Main St., is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.