Valdosta council approves two rezoning requests for Langford Drive and nearby parcel

The City of Valdosta Mayor and Council on April 10 approved two rezoning requests that staff and the Planning Commission had recommended.

Planning staff presented a request by Justin Nigem to rezone 0.84 acres at 1604 Langford Drive from neighborhood commercial (CN) to multifamily residential (RM) to allow a two‑story apartment building with 15 one‑bedroom units. Planning staff said the application met code requirements for parking, setbacks and buffer yards and that the Planning Commission found the proposal consistent with the comprehensive plan. Architect Jimmy Cohn described similar prior projects by the developers and said he had spoken with the pastor at Westside Baptist Church, who raised no objection. “Their places always look real nice. They keep them well maintained,” Cohn said.

Separately, the council approved a request to rezone the northern half of a split parcel from single‑family R‑10 to Highway Commercial (CH). Planning staff said the request would align the parcel with the surrounding commercial pattern and that the Planning Commission recommended unanimous approval. Councilmembers asked whether adjacent R‑10 lots would convert automatically (they would not) and were told neighboring owners must apply separately.

Both motions were moved, seconded and approved by show of hands; no formal roll‑call vote was recorded. No members of the public spoke in opposition to either rezoning during the hearings.

The mayor said the items would return as required paperwork is completed; staff noted applicants must still complete full plan review and permitting before construction.