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Planning board recommends denial of rezoning for Goshen Road event venue after neighbors cite traffic and noise
Summary
The Planning Board on Nov. 12 recommended denial of a request to rezone 2.14 acres at 604 Goshen Road from R1 to AR2 for an event venue, citing traffic, noise and residential character concerns; the recommendation goes to the Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2.
The Effingham County Planning Board recommended denial Nov. 12 of a rezoning application to permit an event venue at 604 Goshen Road.
Chelsea, planning staff, told the board the applicant sought to rezone approximately 2.14 acres from R1 to AR2 so an event venue could be permitted as a conditional use. Agent Zulu Hills, representing the buyer, said the property is currently used by a church and that the intent is to convert it to a small venue for residents.
Several neighbors urged denial, citing traffic, late‑night noise and the risk of alcohol sales. Jimmy Blakey, who said he lives about a mile away, told the board: "I don't wanna sit out and have to listen to boom, boom, boom or some loud music." Marvin Cook and Kaye Perdue also told the board the neighborhood has been quiet for years and they opposed a venue adjacent to residences.
Board members discussed whether alternative zoning or layered conditions could provide protections and noted that the conditional‑use process at the Board of Commissioners could add specific mitigation. With public opposition prominent and traffic and noise concerns unresolved, Jake Patrick moved to recommend denial; Lindsay Smith seconded and the planning board voted to recommend denial. The Board of Commissioners will consider the application at its Dec. 2 public hearing.
If the commissioners later approve a rezoning, the conditional‑use hearing (if pursued) will be noticed separately.
