The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta can move forward with a four-court indoor pickleball building on its Dunwoody campus after the city's Planning Commission approved the project Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The 10,000-square-foot facility will sit near the MJCCA's existing 12-court outdoor complex at 5342 Tilly Mill Road, which opened in June 2024 as part of a broader campus renovation. The approval extends a Special Land Use Permit originally granted in 2023 for the outdoor courts, according to the MJCCA's application filed with the city.
Commissioner Jackie Edmonson, elected chair for the evening in the absence of the regular chair, presided over the hearing. Commissioners Jeff Moss, Deb Cameron and Elizabeth Shin were also present.
Neighbors weigh in
Ahead of the hearing, the MJCCA held a community meeting July 2 after mailing notices to owners of 342 properties within 1,000 feet of the campus. Thirteen people attended.
Most attendees were supportive or neutral, the MJCCA's application stated. One resident was vocally opposed, accusing the JCC of scheduling the meeting during a holiday week to suppress turnout and calling player conversation "annoying." She said the facility is "detrimental to the quality of life of nearby property owners," according to the application.
The JCC responded that the facility has no record of complaints about its operating hours, countering the resident's claim that hours had been violated.
Noise and visual concerns addressed
The Galloway Law Group, representing the MJCCA, wrote in its application that the new building's roofline would be lower than adjacent structures on the campus. The firm noted a 40-foot-wide buffer along the southern property line and said neighboring lots fall outside the building's shadow zone.
The MJCCA installed a sound attenuation fence and new tree plantings when it built the outdoor courts in 2024. After those courts opened, neighbors reported satisfaction with noise levels. The JCC said it remains open to additional noise-mitigation measures during construction of the indoor facility.
JCC officials also confirmed at the July 2 meeting that membership dues would not increase to fund the project.
What's next
The Planning Commission's recommendation now goes to the Dunwoody City Council for a final vote before construction can begin. A council meeting date for that vote has not been announced.
Upcoming: The MJCCA campus at 5342 Tilly Mill Road hosts regular programming and events open to the community. Residents can check the JCC's website for schedules and membership information.
