Developer proposes 280 homes near Atlanta wildlife sanctuary

Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary raises concerns over potential impact on animals and environment

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A developer is seeking to rezone nearly 30 acres of land near the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary in Gwinnett County, Georgia to build a mixed-residential development with 280 homes. The sanctuary's owner and staff have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the 150 animals in their care, as well as the potential environmental damage to the Yellow River from increased runoff and flooding.

Why it matters

The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary has been a community asset in Gwinnett County for 40 years, rescuing and caring for a variety of animals. The proposed high-density residential development so close to the sanctuary raises concerns about noise, security, and the overall well-being of the animals, as well as potential environmental damage to the nearby Yellow River.

The details

Middleburg Communities is seeking to rezone the land near the sanctuary for a mixed-residential development including single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes. The property sits along the Yellow River, just a few hundred feet from the sanctuary's fence line. The sanctuary's owner, Jonathan Ordway, and staff have raised concerns about the potential impact on the 150 animals in their care, including bears, wolves, spider monkeys and river otters. They also worry about increased runoff and flooding into the Yellow River, which could threaten the fish, owls, and deer along its banks.

  • Middleburg Communities filed the rezoning request with Gwinnett County.
  • A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2026 at 6 p.m. at MC3 Church.

The players

Middleburg Communities

A developer seeking to rezone nearly 30 acres of land near the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary for a mixed-residential development.

Jonathan Ordway

The owner of the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, who has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the proposed development on the sanctuary's 150 animals.

Clint Murphy

The zoological curator at the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, who is concerned about the potential environmental impact of the proposed development on the Yellow River.

Mark Wilson

The chair of the Yellow River Water Trail, a nonprofit that monitors the Yellow River, who is concerned about the potential for increased runoff and flooding from the proposed development.

Gwinnett County

The local government that is considering the rezoning request from Middleburg Communities.

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What they’re saying

“We've been rescuing animals, educating kids, bringing families together. Community is the heart of what this establishment's about, and so we want to stick around here for as long as possible.”

— Jonathan Ordway, Owner, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary (wsbtv.com)

“Doing whatever we can do now to help protect those resources is long-term the health of Gwinnett County.”

— Clint Murphy, Zoological Curator, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary (wsbtv.com)

“You've got to have a balance, especially with a property as valuable and as unique as the sanctuary here.”

— Mark Wilson, Chair, Yellow River Water Trail (wsbtv.com)

What’s next

The developer and the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary will meet for the first time at a community meeting on Monday, February 27, 2026 at 6 p.m. at MC3 Church. The Gwinnett County government will then consider the rezoning request.

The takeaway

This proposed development highlights the ongoing tension between urban growth and the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife sanctuaries. The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary has been a valuable community asset for decades, and the local residents are rallying to protect it from the potential negative impacts of the proposed high-density residential project.