Henry County approves cluster home development and rezoning requests despite opposition

The recent Zoning Advisory Board meeting in Henry County, held on May 8, 2025, addressed significant zoning requests that could shape the future of local development. The board reviewed two primary cases, focusing on a cluster home development and a rezoning request for an office space.

The first case involved a proposal for a cluster home development on approximately 36 acres. Kenneth Kent presented the plan, which received a motion for approval from board member Mister Kolpak, seconded by Mister Risha. The board emphasized the importance of adhering to staff recommendations, particularly regarding right-of-way widening on Foster Drive to mitigate future community impact. The motion passed with a vote of 3 to 1, indicating a cautious yet supportive approach to expanding housing options in the area.

The second case concerned a request from JMP Synergy LLC to rezone a 1.605-acre property at 1099 Airline Road from residential agricultural (RA) to mixed-use (MU) for office space. While the proposed office use aligns with the area's commercial future land use designation, staff recommended denial of the mixed-use zoning, suggesting instead a rezoning to neighborhood commercial (C-1). This recommendation was based on the fact that office use is permissible under C-1 zoning without needing to amend the future land use map. The applicant, represented by Brian Strickland, acknowledged the staff's recommendation and expressed willingness to comply with C-1 zoning, which would allow for a professional office within the existing structure.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by local residents regarding potential impacts on the nearby creek and existing neighborhoods. One resident voiced opposition, advocating for the preservation of residential agricultural zoning to protect the waterways from increased commercial development.

The board's decisions reflect a balancing act between accommodating growth and addressing community concerns. As Henry County continues to evolve, these zoning decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the character and functionality of the area. The board's next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments to ensure that development aligns with community needs and environmental considerations.