Spalding County delays vote on Timon Road gas station after neighbors raise environmental and safety concerns

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners on March 27 tabled a request by ACA Ventures for a special exception to operate a convenience store with fuel pumps at a 2.49-acre parcel on Timon Road, citing resident concerns about stormwater runoff, traffic safety and proximity to local waterways.

The proposal (application 2327SACA/Ventures) was the subject of a lengthy public hearing in which neighbors described farming, a two‑acre pond and small-scale agricultural operations immediately adjacent to the proposed site. Samantha Langston, 2423 North McDonough Road, told the board she and her family had purchased their property to start a farming business and said she feared fuel leaks and contaminated runoff would “render our crops unsafe for consumption or for sale.” Stephanie Webster, another nearby resident, cited the county comprehensive plan and argued that neighborhood-scale commercial uses should be prioritized and that multiple convenience stores already serve the area.

Community development staff told the board the parcel had been rezoned to C1A (neighborhood commercial) in 2011 and that the submitted site plan shows two entrances (one onto Timon Road, a de‑acceleration lane on SR‑155 to be approved by GDOT), a 30‑foot undisturbed buffer and other elements required by earlier conditions. Staff recommended approval with seven conditions, including: a septic permit from the Spalding County Health Department; GDOT approval for the SR‑155 entrance before development; approved exterior architectural plans (masonry, brick or stone facade); an approved landscape plan; night‑sky‑friendly lighting; signage consistent with the Village Node district; and separate board approval for alcohol sales.

Mark Whitley of Whitley Engineering, representing ACA Ventures, told commissioners that modern tanks and state and federal regulations make leaks “rare” and that stormwater would be managed through a detention system designed to release runoff at rates comparable to pre‑development conditions. Whitley also offered to meet with the adjacent property owner to address concerns and requested the board delay action for one month to allow discussions.

After discussion the board voted 4‑1 to table the application to its April 24 meeting to allow the applicant and neighbors to meet and present any updates. The planning commission had recommended approval at a prior meeting.

The public hearing record included multiple residents who requested stronger protections for the nearby pond and Troublesome Creek, asked whether additional turning lanes or traffic signals would be installed and questioned whether a 2.5‑acre parcel could accommodate both fueling operations and adequate stormwater detention. The applicant and staff said site plan elements address many of those issues but that certain approvals (notably from GDOT and Spalding County Health Department) would be required before permits could be issued.

The board’s tabling leaves the application open; it must return to the board at the advertised date unless the applicant withdraws it.

Votes at a glance

Tabled (application 2327SACA/Ventures): motion to table to April 24 — outcome: tabled, vote 4 in favor, 1 opposed.