An apartment complex designed with seniors in mind is planned near the Ga. 400 corridor.

"There's absolutely a need for more elderly housing in Dawson County," said developer Kevin Buckner.

The county commission approved Buckner's request June 6 to rezone nearly 10 acres at 7142 Hwy. 53 East, across from Tractor Supply Co. where Farmington Forest, a 55 and older complex, will be built.

Offering one and two-bedroom options, Buckner said the 56-unit development that will include amenities such as a clubhouse, workout facilities and covered pavilion will be age and income restrictive.

At least one renter on the apartment lease must be 55 years or older.

Income levels and income restrictions would be equivalent to about 60 percent of the average median income of Dawson County.

"We're looking for ... seniors that are living at $35,000 and under a year. Clearly, we're going to see some social security recipients. We're going to see working elderly," Buckner said. "We can't put someone in there that is over qualified."

The cost to lease the units would be "very affordable," according to Buckner.

"They are going to be [when we get them built in 12-18 months] by today's projections for the two-bedroom units under $600 [a month]," he said.

The Farmington group is building a similar apartment development on Perimeter Road inside the Dawsonville city limits, though the complex is not age restrictive.

"The layout will be a little bit different. Again, we are in the beginnings of how we can lay it out. This style, the look of the building, is going to be very similar," he said.

After approving the rezoning motion, the county commissioner also approved a resolution in support of the project and the developer's application to apply for affordable housing credits under the Georgia Department of Community Affairs 2013 Qualified Allocation Plan.