The Augusta Planning Commission on Dec. 1 voted to deny a rezoning petition that would have allowed a 128‑unit multifamily complex on about 8.8 acres at 2621 Barton Chapel Road.

Kevin Boyd, the development services manager, told the commission the concept plan showed 128 units, 320 off‑street parking spaces and a density of roughly 14.5 units per acre. Staff concluded the proposed change to R‑3B would be inconsistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan and flagged the need for a traffic‑impact study.

Joshua Murrah of Sanford Group, the project’s civil engineer, said the developer intended to provide affordable units (rents described in the presentation as roughly $900–$1,500 depending on unit size), would keep parking within the site, and would coordinate required traffic improvements.

Multiple residents in opposition cited heavy traffic on Barton Chapel Road, concerns about wetlands/wooded areas on the parcel and potential impacts to property values and neighborhood character. Commenters asked why apartments were being proposed in a location residents described as already congested.

Planning staff recommended denial because the proposed density and use were not compatible with surrounding residential areas and the comprehensive plan. The commission moved to deny; a roll‑call on the motion to deny resulted in the chair announcing the petition had been denied and would be forwarded to the full Augusta Commission on Jan. 6.

The staff report stated that, if the board had approved the zoning, conditions would have included compliance with the Augusta tree ordinance, a traffic impact study and site‑plan review prior to construction.

The denial does not prohibit the applicant from refining the proposal and returning in the future.