The Planning Commission on June 18 recommended denial of a rezoning request (Z24‑026) that would have allowed three light‑industrial buildings totaling roughly 1.6 million square feet on approximately 188 acres near Old Senoia Road and Interstate‑85.

The applicant, represented by Greg Bowler and counsel Henry Bailey of KMT Partners, presented a project that had gone through a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review and an outreach program described as more extensive than the city’s minimum notice requirements (applicant reported approximately 4,100 mailings and a May 19 public meeting). KMT said the project would generate capital investment of about $150 million, create an estimated 1,000–2,000 jobs and support access improvements including Spence Road and Old Senoia Road upgrades, plus an intermodal interchange project already planned by GDOT.

Residents and several speakers from Fairburn and nearby neighborhoods opposed the rezoning at the public hearing, citing concerns about truck traffic, air quality (diesel and brake‑dust), incompatibility with adjacent residential uses, and impacts on springs and streams on privately‑owned land. Speakers also noted existing vacant warehouses nearby and asked that alternative uses be considered. Planning staff had recommended conditional approval tied to the DRI conditions; after hearing opposition and discussion, the commission voted to recommend denial. The denial will be forwarded to mayor and council for consideration at the scheduled July meeting.

Why it matters: The scale of the project and proximity to residential neighborhoods made the item contentious. The DRI process documented mitigation and public infrastructure components, but neighbors opposed intensification at this location and the commission sided with those concerns.