Ball Ground City Council reviews BG Partners LLC's commercial rezoning request for 4.58 acres

During a recent Planning Commission Public Hearing in Cherokee County, discussions centered on a proposed rezoning application for a 4.58-acre property located at 9923 Ball Ground Highway. The applicant, BG Partners LLC, representing Bertomini Development, seeks to annex and rezone the land from the county's General Agricultural District (AG) to the City of Ball Ground's General Commercial (GC) designation.

The proposed development includes plans for a 26,250 square foot single-story commercial and retail space, complete with 110 parking spaces and two loading areas. The site is strategically positioned with primary access to Ball Ground Highway, a major state road, which could facilitate significant commercial activity and truck traffic. However, the property also features an existing stream at the rear, necessitating careful consideration of environmental impacts and stream bank buffers.

The area is classified within the suburban growth character area, which typically supports single-family residential development and is transitioning from rural to suburban land uses. This classification raises concerns about whether the proposed commercial zoning aligns with the surrounding residential and agricultural properties. The county's requirement for a 35-foot zoning buffer contrasts with the applicant's proposed 15-foot buffer, further complicating the transition between land uses.

City officials noted that while the General Commercial district aims to accommodate a variety of commercial activities along major thoroughfares, the proximity of the site to residential areas may not provide an appropriate transition. Additionally, the lack of sewer availability on the site could pose challenges for the proposed development.

The Planning Commission's deliberations highlighted the need to balance commercial growth with the preservation of the suburban character of the area. As the application moves forward, the commission will weigh the potential benefits of increased commercial activity against the concerns of local residents and the existing land use framework. The outcome of this proposal could significantly influence the future development landscape of Ball Ground and its surrounding areas.