Griffin board reviews PDD rezoning request for gas station and restaurant complex

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners held a zoning public hearing on July 14, 2025, to discuss a rezoning application from agricultural residential (AR 1) to a planned development district (PDD) for commercial uses. The property in question, located at 7 Crouch Road, Griffin, Georgia, spans 2.36 acres and is owned by Bridal Remington and Newton Crouch Junior.

The applicant seeks to establish a restaurant, gas station, and miscellaneous retail on the site. However, the request includes a variance for the lot size, as PDD zoning typically requires a minimum of 5 acres. The planning staff recommended approval of the application, citing the property's unique situation surrounded by industrial land and its alignment with the future land use plan.

During the meeting, several commissioners expressed concerns regarding the application. One commissioner highlighted the inconsistency of granting a variance for a smaller lot size when similar requests had been denied in the past. They emphasized the importance of adhering to zoning ordinances and questioned the lack of a future land use map amendment accompanying the rezoning request.

Another commissioner raised issues about access to the property, noting that the proposed entryway was an abandoned road, complicating potential traffic flow and access for customers. They also pointed out the proximity of existing convenience stores, questioning the necessity of additional commercial services in the area.

Despite these concerns, some commissioners supported the application, arguing that the proposed development would provide valuable services to the nearby industrial park and create job opportunities. They noted the potential for increased traffic from employees in the area who would benefit from the new restaurant and gas station.

The applicant, Emil Dimelo, and his associate Kavitha Brohit, presented their case, explaining that the project had evolved based on feedback from the planning commission. They emphasized the project's alignment with the community's needs and the employment character area designated for the site.

The meeting concluded without a definitive vote, as further discussions and considerations regarding the application are expected in future sessions. The board's decision will ultimately reflect their commitment to balancing community needs with adherence to zoning regulations.