The Bradley County Planning Commission on June 26 recommended approval of a rezoning request for 874 South McDonald Road (Tax Map 071, Parcel 79), moving the parcel from FAR to C‑1 rural commercial by a 6‑1 vote.

The request was presented on behalf of property owners Garrett Miller and a business identified as 100 Concepts. Robert Thompson, speaking on their behalf, said the building has been used as a church and is being returned to commercial use as an office. “They've been in business since '21. They basically have 2 engineers on staff ... they have 7 employees,” Thompson said.

The change would allow the existing structure to be used for indoor retail or office-oriented activity under the county’s C‑1 rules. Bentley, a county planning staff member, told the commission that C‑1 is the most restricted commercial zoning and that many more intensive commercial uses would not be allowed without further review.

Neighbors and nearby residents urged the commission to deny the change, saying the area should remain agricultural and quiet. Scott Boring, who identified himself as a resident on Sim Goodwin Road, told the commission the parcel has “intrinsic value” and that the neighborhood is a watershed divide where environmental impacts warrant caution. Linda Slinger, another nearby resident, told commissioners: “The whole point of a planning commission is to plan. You can't disregard what can happen in the future.”

Sergio Casas, an adjacent property owner who stood to support the owners, said the property had been cleaned up and that he supports the rezoning. Thompson said the buyers paid $700,000 for the building and have invested about $200,000 more in repairs and cleanup.

The commission’s favorable vote is a recommendation; the final decision will be made by the Bradley County Commission. Staff noted that questions about specific future uses, stormwater, access and other site-level requirements would be addressed later if the county commission approves the rezoning.

The commission’s action was limited to a recommendation; residents were told that appeals or further questions should be directed to the county commission when the item is placed on that body’s agenda.