Jones County planning panel postpones rezoning request for proposed auto-repair site

The Jones County Planning and Zoning Commission postponed consideration of a rezoning request by Derek Davis after the applicant did not attend the commission’s September meeting. The request would have changed 1.34 acres at the corner of Shady Road Plaza and Joycliff Road from single-family residential to general commercial to allow a full-service automotive repair and maintenance facility.

Tammy Ross, who identified herself as a resident at 3107 Joy Cliff Road, said she lives directly across the street and came to the meeting to learn more about what the proposed business would entail. “I don't know that I'm necessarily in opposition, but I wanted to hear more about what it was going to entail simply because that area is residential,” Ross said.

Commission members said they could not answer Ross’s questions in detail because the applicant was not present. Planning staff told Ross she could call the planning office during business hours or visit to obtain staff packets, maps and drawings related to the request. A commission member moved to postpone the item; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission reiterated that it is a recommending body and that the county commissioners will make the final decision at their meeting on October 7.

Because the applicant was absent, commissioners did not enter substantive debate on the proposed business model, hours, or site plans at this meeting. Staff advised that detailed questions about permits, site layout and technical constraints will be addressed through the planning office and applicable permitting processes if and when the applicant resubmits or appears before the commission.

The item will be returned to the commission’s agenda or forwarded with a recommendation when the applicant is present and staff materials are available to share with the public and the commission.