Planning commission approves rezoning of Marty Fox parcel on Georgetown Road for C-2 use despite resident safety concerns

The Bradley County Regional Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request to change a parcel on Georgetown Road from rural residential to C‑2 (general commercial) to allow an ice and vending machine location, despite objections from nearby residents who raised traffic‑safety concerns at the Highway 60 interchange.

Neighbors said the highway configuration — described during public comment as five lanes narrowing to two near the property — makes access hazardous. “It’s just a real safety concern,” resident Ariel Queen said, describing a recent rollover crash near the property and expressing worry about children in the subdivision. Mark Ridley told the commission there is already an ice machine less than a mile down the highway.

Applicant Marty Fox told the commission he owns affordable shed-and-cabin retail operations and said he visits the site infrequently; he previously sought a rezoning about 10 years ago and withdrew after sight‑line concerns. Fox said state highway work has changed the property’s frontage, that the state paved a 22‑foot‑wide access driveway in the easement, and that the state took some frontage when the improvements were built.

Why it matters: Rezoning from residential to C‑2 changes allowed uses and may set a precedent for other lots in the subdivision; it also permits commercial activity next to a residential neighborhood, prompting neighbors to emphasize safety and subdivision‑restriction concerns.

Supporting details: Bentley, the county planner, said the applicant surveyed and abandoned a middle lot line to create a parcel large enough to qualify for C‑2. The planner confirmed the rezoning application met the requirements for a zoning change under the county’s zoning resolution. Commissioners debated whether to table the request for further neighborhood negotiation; the applicant said he was willing to proceed with a vote. The commission approved the rezoning by roll call. The planner reminded the applicant that rezoning approvals may still be appealed or subject to county commission review; the county commission has the final decision on zoning changes.

Next steps: The rezoning approval allows the applicant to appear before the Bradley County Commission, which has final authority on zoning changes. Any development would still need to meet state and county permitting and safety requirements.