[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6090087,"mediaKeyId","2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731","parentId",2869538,"title","Votes at a glance: Newton County Board of Commissioners, April 1, 2025","audioSeconds",259,"startMs",1706000,"endMs",1965000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731&start=1706&end=1965","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731/thumbnail_1706000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6090087/Newton-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Newton-County-Board-of-Commissioners-April-1-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090087-b2c4936e1f71502a28ec510d8a8c0b64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001882&Signature=SEAm0pRCIStwYPZs6SIk1LrQGiIDCgsPNuzuL-Bhh20M1mM9RSM~fW4BSacGajI-nyROofg2Bh~OcOVJM28i57beuDmHiVjvCyO789lB7NNinTq1Vj2jO3Odqu7aPPH7PwArI6so6rV3EmsyXiiDIgDQNx~gLLacPJVcsUCBWAh-fAsvG6cfSH7KE8LCWqB1IYk95QO3frtIc-2fH2xrU1-f1b4SR2SDsUeVPhkW97UQ~VOHE9Si~oaiNm4XWxJRSTVOwQlS6hwbssGlPzEF6~DSirsHjDn9R~m4ORTSqYfxJsoikFjRpcWbQ5Kfk4IVGI~aXTwUTeV57NUJ152xTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-04T02:00:15.603Z","article","Here is a concise list of formal actions taken at the Newton County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 1, 2025. Where the transcript did not record a roll-call tally, outcomes are reported as the board stated them (voice vote or recorded abstention where noted).

- REZ24-000011 (Rezoning to General Commercial) and CUP24-000013 (20,000 sq ft grocery/ALDI) — Motion to approve with recommended staff conditions; motion carried (voice vote). Conditions: right-in/right-out on Brownbridge Road, architectural standards per Salem overlay, stormwater and agency approvals required.

- CUP24-000014 (Conditional use permit for special events facility at 13793 Highway 36) — Motion to deny; motion carried (voice vote). Planning staff had recommended conditions if approved, but neighbors strongly opposed the use.

- REZ24-000013 / associated minor parcel combination for expansion (155xx Highway 36, pot store expansion / septic relocation) — Motion to approve with staff conditions including combining parcels, permitting for new uses, and architectural finish requirements; motion carried (voice vote).

- REZ24-000012 (Piper Road rezoning to General Commercial) — Motion to approve with staff conditions; board added screening buffer behind office building; motion carried with one abstention noted for a possible conflict of interest.

- CUP25-00001 (Office with fleet parking on Piper Road) — Motion to approve subject to conditions including 55-foot transitional buffer, 25% outdoor storage limit, and required traffic study; motion carried with one abstention.

- REZ25-000001 (Rezoning ~175 acres on Old Atlanta Highway to M-1 for three warehouses) — Motion to deny; motion carried (voice vote). Staff and the DRI raised concerns about stream, wetlands and traffic impacts.

- Memorandum of Understanding: Newton County Animal Services and Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (Better Together Georgia) — Motion to approve MOU; motion carried. The grant provides up to approximately $96,000 of grant-funded assistance for adoption, intake diversion, spay/neuter and training; no county cost.

- Contract / MOU: Renewal of annual agreement for Newton County Extension UGA Cooperative Extension 4-H position — Approved (consent agenda item).

- Personnel funding: District Attorney request to hire a victim-witness assistant (new position to be funded from LVAP/5% special revenue fund) — Motion to approve; funded from crime-victims special revenue (LVAP) at no general-fund cost to county.

- GDOT HAWK signal agreement (Cricket Frog Trail crossing) — Motion to authorize chair to sign agreement to provide power for HAWK signal and accept GDOT installation at no cost to county; motion carried.

- Point Grand development: easement and development agreement for traffic signal at Ramway and Coral Road — Motion to authorize chair to sign agreement with developer for signal installment and bonding; motion carried.

- Miracle League MOU (Friends of Newton County Miracle League): $50,000 donation MOU for Miracle League All-Star Weekend (May 2–4) — Motion to approve MOU and funds (previously authorized; paperwork updated after postponement); motion carried.

- Cornish Creek upgrades work package No. 2 — Motion to proceed in compliance with purchasing policy (second required vote completed); motion carried.

Notes on votes and procedure: Several motions were voice votes and the transcript records some abstentions for possible conflicts of interest; the transcript includes at least two explicit abstentions (Piper Road approvals and one other item). Where the transcript recorded a motion but not a roll-call, tally fields are not provided here. Board and staff stated follow-up items where required (traffic studies, fire inspections, environmental health approvals, and county/staff review of final site plans).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOC Regular Meeting I April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and outcomes recorded during the April 1 Newton County Board of Commissioners meeting, including rezoning and conditional-use permit decisions, intergovernmental agreements, personnel funding, and infrastructure authorizations.","taxTitle","Newton County, Georgia","taxId",28541,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6090092,"Board approves rezoning and CUP for Peach State Construction office, with buffering and traffic study conditions",1550,6110000,7660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731&start=6110&end=7660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731/thumbnail_6110000.jpg","/articles/6090092/Newton-County/Georgia/Board-approves-rezoning-and-CUP-for-Peach-State-Construction-office-with-buffering-and-traffic-study-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090092-2d9de9f3ff5db34513d4921c4f09764f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001882&Signature=lb9qBNuRvVo-NaUMerwoWNf4Y3se1sXYeQVKe7M9VDZ6rc~xRb0fzTpiqH1q9Up8vwKhoVcndM~dVa6arrcBV-GQSZtDlPxkj-IeMfGsPzUZeqXYuiiHXkKMRpYYbHb4AWcKS7JeP7dl-NFPRR~Umx~p9hrdN~PwOH9YzwnSO0rjbwgNNKaPpB30qYS5Wet9K5s3lgQgg~uBf-zQyoscxrLPOFbyzJQtErTJfIUP8OIwohWG-VJeOYM7Q4qBbUXA04bu3NtV-h0WAqIyJiGZReMhrFIa9K3RRUrtY~iA7ApR-dbBLxNp~RsrBN0e~UQj-LMBHBVwMx7LQNdaCTT9YA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newton County Board of Commissioners on April 1 approved a rezoning (REZ24-000012) and companion conditional-use permit (CUP25-00001) to allow an office and fleet parking for Peach State Construction on 16.5 acres along Piper Road.

Staff said the property’s future land use had already been amended to commercial and that planning and the commission had reviewed a site plan showing a proposed office, shop, and outside storage yard. The planning commission required a traffic study prior to issuance of permits; staff recommended conditions including 55-foot transitional fencing adjacent to residential properties, a 75-foot buffer around remaining property edges, and a limit of 25% of the lot for outdoor storage.

Tom Garrett, representing applicant Rusty Andrews of Peach State Construction, told the board the company is a long-time local contractor seeking a permanent site for office, shop and occasional equipment storage. Garrett said much of Peach State’s equipment is routinely deployed to jobs across the state and that the on-site yard would be fenced and screened.

Commissioners added a condition requested during discussion requiring an opaque screen or fence behind the office building so that equipment and storage are not visible from Piper Road. Commissioner Long moved to approve the rezoning and to include the additional screening condition; the motion carried with one commissioner abstaining for a possible conflict of interest.

Why it matters: The decision supports an incumbent local contractor’s move to a permanent yard while adding explicit buffering and traffic-study requirements to limit impacts on adjacent residences and on Piper Road, which commissioners said will require additional review for access and turning movements.

What’s next: The applicant must complete a traffic-study submission to Development Services and obtain building and environmental permits; staff and the county transportation department will review ingress/egress and buffering before business license issuance.","The board approved REZ24-000012 and CUP25-00001 to rezone 16.5 acres on Piper Road from agricultural-residential to general commercial to allow an office with fleet parking, subject to a traffic study, transitional buffers and limits on outside storage.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6090096,"After heavy public opposition, commissioners deny rezoning for proposed warehouses on Old Atlanta Highway",2299,7701000,10000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731&start=7701&end=10000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731/thumbnail_7701000.jpg","/articles/6090096/Newton-County/Georgia/After-heavy-public-opposition-commissioners-deny-rezoning-for-proposed-warehouses-on-Old-Atlanta-Highway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090096-a133bb409bf6a5634f01b017510020ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001882&Signature=oiUno-lLG-11cioUIOMAzEHOyyf0R~QYniEzLGnSgtsooswiwZf7Ba25Eya0RSug3SE-Z6SPYBHaF7ZCtkdtorkNcJpsbvSQxkna5-57ZnaJvly9zyY6-2X8vgP2MT5zTW3eZkICah9GzwRdBRAop6Opas14lJQxWP02N3UIcjkILCb~d01P9rYF7hvXBwIfQisRzC4B9gaI5Ndi-9wQR3FP4xAO5tCh8YnYJsUIHYBkaXZC2~WU5osdZzQQMtVHB731DBjri9cpdm9eWq28-6fnT4NLMbbunG5SdEX5frvD~7wygHEzp1ojmw52NFrKuPBRFCtjNPoLN2XGw54mSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newton County Board of Commissioners on April 1 denied a rezoning request (REZ25-000001) that would have rezoned about 175 acres along Old Atlanta Highway from single-family residential to M-1 light industrial for three large warehouses.

Planning staff and the submitted DRI (development-of-regional-impact) analysis raised multiple concerns: potential impacts to the Yellow River and associated wetlands, the fact that one proposed building would affect an intermittent stream, and traffic impacts on nearby intersections — particularly Old Oxford Road and the Access Road near the I-20 Almond Road interchange. Staff outlined required buffers including 75-foot transitional buffers to adjacent properties and 50-foot impervious buffers along perennial streams; the project would have required approvals from state and federal agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for any stream impacts.

Developer representatives said the project would create Class A industrial space and bring significant property taxes and employment opportunities. \"We found this property because the future land use map was industrial for this property,\" said Austin (last name provided by speaker) of the developer, adding that the team had experience mitigating creeks with Army Corps approvals on similar projects.

Residents and property owners testified in opposition, citing safety and traffic risks on narrow local roads, proximity of the project to the Yellow River and wetlands, and impacts on wildlife. Several speakers said local roads already see heavy truck traffic and cited recent traffic fatalities on the Access Road. Dave Norton and others urged denial, telling the board the proposal risked water quality and community safety. Resident Eddie Goddard described Old Atlanta and Hawkins Drive as narrow and unsuited to increased truck traffic and said expanding access would require removal of homes and substantial roadwork.

Commissioner Henderson moved to deny the rezoning, citing environmental and traffic concerns and community opposition; the motion to deny passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The site lies adjacent to the Yellow River watershed; opponents and regional reviewers warned that large-scale industrial development could stress streams, floodplains and downstream water users. The board’s denial halts the applicant’s immediate plan to construct warehousing at that site.

What’s next: The developer may revise designs, undertake additional environmental mitigation and resubmit, or identify alternative sites. Any future plan that affects streams or wetlands will require state and Army Corps reviews and likely traffic improvements approved by GDOT and county transportation staff.","The board voted to deny REZ25-000001, a request to rezone roughly 175 acres on Old Atlanta Highway to M-1 for three industrial warehouses, following concerns cited in a DRI review about impacts on the Yellow River, streams, traffic and nearby residents.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6090102,"Commissioners deny conditional-use permit for special events facility on Highway 36 after neighbor opposition",1583,3229000,4812000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731&start=3229&end=4812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731/thumbnail_3229000.jpg","/articles/6090102/Newton-County/Georgia/Commissioners-deny-conditional-use-permit-for-special-events-facility-on-Highway-36-after-neighbor-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090102-329054e7d503848c9eee2391f775f8e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001882&Signature=FBFH900ThCZLBi77uIe1XS6o768xeggUYEu~mfDxtPy1TKizQEgX6TSzOx~M53HI0OOv6bwe6YUEO~P2c7i42iOSxcg5Vs7q61mAryLgPAvtap7Gnch5Ys4YsdiHr~4OnYXp4ZWGIQjfMFqDbD0J6A60rOe8MeqUxYgvzlr2VFMfZ4Mdzdu8DnVqtZ7Fog2Ie~rjOQd-7pQF1t5Dnx2R4MJTuYDSxsBP3Mxe19yafPvIBii~tF5Lg4j8AsZaWutW-Yctw-HrMANHKAAFy9zNh-jUcfg9MRVk1eU2ku8vtbXPVGrdLcmREB8OiYCsA8gx6rlWJj2oemeDf4L~UNayxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted on April 1 to deny a conditional-use permit for a proposed special events and agritourism facility at 13793 Highway 36.

Planning staff described the property as 36.05 acres with existing farm buildings and a recently built farmhouse; the petition asked to allow private gatherings, educational agritourism programs and small receptions. Staff cited section 510-595 (special events facilities) and recommended conditions including limits on occupancy set by the fire marshal, environmental health approval prior to licensing, a 55-foot transitional fence buffer adjacent to residential property, and a requirement that outside events end at 11 p.m., not including cleanup.

Applicants Ronnie and Roshell Rochelle said the property would host family-focused agritourism, educational programs and small private events and emphasized distances to nearest neighbors. \"We are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our land while offering a destination that benefits local businesses,\" Ronnie Rochelle said.

Multiple adjacent neighbors testified in opposition, saying they had not been consulted, that there was no perimeter fencing to prevent guests from crossing onto neighboring yards, and raising concerns about alcohol, unruly behavior, firearms and late-night cleanup after events. Beverly Douglas said she feared guests \"would come on our yard\" and asked, \"What if they're drunk?\" Several neighbors said they have young children and expressed safety and security concerns.

Commissioner Edwards moved to deny the conditional-use permit, citing concerns about creating an island of commercial activity in an agricultural-residential zone and the applicants' limited on-site presence. The motion to deny carried; the vote included an abstention by a commissioner who disclosed a conflict of interest.

Why it matters: Neighbors said they were blindsided by the application and worried about changes to a rural residential area. The denial preserves the property's agricultural-residential regulatory status and underscores the board’s sensitivity to neighbor objections about noise, security and frequency of events.

What’s next: Applicants may revise the proposal, address neighbors’ concerns (security plans, formal buffers or restricted frequency), and resubmit, or pursue other lawful uses consistent with the agricultural-residential zoning.","A conditional-use permit (CUP24-000014) to operate a special events/agritourism facility at 13793 Highway 36 was denied following strong opposition from multiple adjacent residents who raised concerns about noise, security, alcohol and frequency of events.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6090107,"Commissioners approve rezoning, conditional use permit for proposed Aldi on Brown Bridge Road",761,2034000,2795000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731&start=2034&end=2795","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869538-7295bfc5c805bb111790dcc7611a0731/thumbnail_2034000.jpg","/articles/6090107/Newton-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-rezoning-conditional-use-permit-for-proposed-Aldi-on-Brown-Bridge-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090107-23744c05b7fb2a58c7d3335d34d825e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001882&Signature=JMO~JYeYl3II6DII3TT0oAhHluW4c5LMaJh6FDjI8gnkE33t9Czc0q8k-JwsTkz3b-xsCykx74hT4CRI91l5zgJS~kXsf8B~3adlsa7vCa0UebFlqfJNyoLEXxMbudmJRlaI8NBmwIg1kB~Xjpb99KY2EpAB~DAnGTzzpu76HvBVUaOTDNS57i2oA0TSU6xKuilZO94ajusCpqfcF4mh2~flDD3~09r5LFjjFPKAA9USD5RY0iDbU34RmlXMCLEklhhBvp8g1jsbk0SB45O2ridhXfmgVKNPBaR7qcnBZ-AGJxMPXCyKUw4-KIJNjl9h5RunrhITRZC6KmLsRKaWiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newton County Board of Commissioners on April 1 approved a rezoning and companion conditional-use permit to allow a 20,000-square-foot Aldi grocery at 12862 Brownbridge Road.

Planning staff told the board the proposal, REZ24-000011 with companion CUP24-000013, would rezone two parcels (approx. 2.3 and 1.044 acres) from R-2 and neighborhood commercial to general commercial inside the Salem Overlay Tier 3. Planning Director Shana Applewhite said the project would use an internal drive and a right-in/right-out on Brownbridge Road and that the proposal included architectural and stormwater conditions to meet Salem overlay requirements. \"Given the land use and zoning designations of the surrounding properties and the meeting the intent of section 460-020 of the Salem overlay, there is justification for approval,\" Applewhite said.

Applicant John Queen said the team revised the plan after a community meeting and would use a right-in/right-out entrance to address traffic concerns. \"We decided to make that driveway entrance a right turn, right in, right out,\" John Queen said.

Commissioner Mason moved to approve the rezoning with the recommended staff conditions; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff conditions require developer-submitted plans for ingress/egress approval by the county transportation engineer, interparcel connectivity where practicable, prohibition of overnight commercial vehicle parking, neutral roof colors, exterior material standards consistent with the Salem overlay, and review and approval of stormwater and related plans by relevant county and state agencies prior to land disturbance.

The conditional-use permit includes additional conditions: compliance with fire marshal occupancy and inspection requirements, environmental health approval prior to business-license release, and the right-in/right-out entrance restriction on Brownbridge Road.

Why it matters: The approval changes the immediate mix of uses along a commercial node that already includes Walmart and fast-food tenants, and the zoning decision carries development standards intended to limit traffic impacts and preserve Salem overlay design goals.

What’s next: The applicant must submit detailed land-disturbance, landscaping and building plans and satisfy Newton County Fire Services, Development Services and state agency review before a business license is issued.","The Newton County Board of Commissioners approved REZ24-000011 and CUP24-000013 to allow a 20,000-square-foot Aldi grocery at 12862 Brownbridge Road with staff conditions including a right-in/right-out entrance, architectural standards and required permitting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Newton County Board of Commissioners, April 1, 2025

Board approves rezoning and CUP for Peach State Construction office, with buffering and traffic study conditions

After heavy public opposition, commissioners deny rezoning for proposed warehouses on Old Atlanta Highway

Commissioners deny conditional-use permit for special events facility on Highway 36 after neighbor opposition

Commissioners approve rezoning, conditional use permit for proposed Aldi on Brown Bridge Road