Augusta planning commission approves liquor store special exception at Central Avenue with 9 p.m. closing

The Augusta Georgia Planning Commission voted to approve a special exception allowing a liquor store at 2059 Central Avenue, but limited alcohol sales to end at 9 p.m.

The commission acted after hearing staff analysis, testimony from the applicant and neighbors, and a petition both supporting and opposing the request. Planning staff had recommended denial because the site did not meet two of three criteria in section 21-2(c) of the comprehensive zoning ordinance governing liquor stores in the B-1 zone.

Ryan Jones, Planner I, presented staff findings and noted that the property is a 0.52-acre tract in the B-1 neighborhood-business district, currently occupied by a convenience store and a three-pump gas canopy. Jones said the site is in the Old Augusta character area and within the Somerville Historic District, and that it failed to meet staff's interpretation of two specific criteria in section 21-2(c): that the surrounding area not be “predominantly residential” and that the parcel be at the intersection of two arterial streets or within 500 feet of such an intersection. Jones also noted a prior 2022 special exception for the convenience store that included a condition that “no liquor store shall be allowed on the property” without a separate special exception.

Petitioner Pras Kumar Patel and supporter Brad Owens spoke in favor. Owens said the owner, Paul, improved the property since acquiring it in 2010 and that the corner functions as a commercial node. “Within five years, he did a major renovation and improved the property both in value and aesthetic,” Owens said. He argued the expansion would face the existing laundromat and not residential uses.

Resident Annette Thurman spoke in opposition, saying, “We do not need another alcohol establishment in a neighborhood,” and noting a mix of medical and neighborhood commercial uses nearby. Supporter Ed Oscarberg described the immediate corridor as commercial and said no full-package liquor store presently serves the area.

Commission deliberations included an initial failed motion to deny and a later motion to approve with a substitute condition proposed by Commissioner McKnight to restrict liquor-store hours. The petitioner agreed to amend the proposed restriction to 9 p.m. Staff counsel confirmed the hour restriction was legally permissible. On the final roll call for approval with the 9 p.m. closing condition the commission recorded seven votes in favor and four opposed, and the special exception was approved.

This approval does not exempt the project from historic-preservation review for any exterior changes in the Somerville Historic District, nor does it change the convenience-store special-exception condition that originally governed the site. The commission record shows staff received three written oppositions and a petition of support submitted by the applicant.

Planning staff also noted that public transit does not serve this section of Central Avenue and that the parcel is not within FEMA special flood hazard areas.

The decision will move forward to the full Augusta Commission for rehearing only if appealed; otherwise, the applicant may proceed with required permits and historic-preservation review before any change of use is implemented.

Ending: The commission approved the special exception with the 9 p.m. closing condition; any exterior construction or alterations will require historic-preservation approval and the usual site or building permits before the liquor sales can begin.