Board denies requests to remove Mill Village Overlay designation for two Griffin parcels

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners voted to deny two applications that would have removed the Mill Village Overlay District designation from two C-2–zoned parcels in East Griffin.

Applicants sought to remove the overlay to allow a wider array of commercial and industrial uses. Attorney Lisa Morshower, representing Paul Huss, said Huss purchased the property believing it to be C-2 based on a zoning map and email exchanges with staff. Morshower argued the parcel historically accommodated mill-related industrial activity and that requiring residential redevelopment under the overlay would be economically infeasible.

County staff and the director said the Mill Village overlay’s stated intent is to rehabilitate the area for residential mill-style housing and higher-quality infill consistent with the future land-use plan. Staff noted that removing the two parcels would shrink the total overlay area by about 14% and 17% respectively and warned of a domino effect if more properties sought the same change.

Commissioners debated precedence, the overlay’s purpose and possible “extraordinary” community benefits that might justify removal. After discussion, the board voted to deny the Whitten Avenue application (the “Flume” amendment) and then ruled the related rezoning moot. The High Falls Road application was likewise denied.

The board recorded a 3–1 vote on at least one of the motions (three in favor of denial, one opposed). Commissioner James recorded a “no” on the Flume denial. Commissioner Flowers Taylor recused herself from the Whitten Avenue hearing after counsel noted pending litigation involving a party to the case. No rezoning amendments were approved in the hearing.

The denials maintain the overlay’s existing extent and preserve the area’s current future land-use guidance for residential-focused redevelopment.