The Stonecrest Planning Commission on Jan. 6 recommended approval of two rezoning requests that would allow an established Covington Highway hair-braiding salon to expand into adjacent addresses and add a boutique and office space.

Senior Planner Ramona Everly told commissioners staff recommended rezoning 7511 Covington Highway (RZ25‑006) and 6760 Chuck Road (RZ25‑007) from R‑75 (residential) to C‑1 (local commercial) with conditions including a use limitation (hair braiding and related personal care), hours limited to Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., a requirement that customer access be taken from the existing 7505 Covington Highway driveway, site plans showing required off‑street parking and stormwater controls, and a lot‑combination plat within 90 days of any approval.

“I want you to know that…our planning department did address some of the concerns,” Chair Eric Hubbard said during discussion, noting staff incorporated community meeting comments into the recommendation. Staff told the commission residents at the community planning meeting had raised traffic and safety concerns and staff responded by recommending removal of access from Chuck/Chubb Road and a landscape buffer between the commercial property and the adjacent residences.

Applicant Dr. Romada Sise, who said she has operated a professional hair‑braiding salon at 7505 Covington Highway since 1999, described plans to expand service offerings to include authentic African arts and crafts, business consulting services and community‑focused programming at the adjacent property. “We have operated a professional hair braiding salon since 1999,” Sise said, explaining the expansion would create jobs and cultural amenities for the community.

Several nearby residents spoke in opposition, citing existing speeding, frequent emergency‑vehicle traffic, late‑night noise and code‑enforcement concerns on nearby parcels. “We are all against these changes that she's trying to make,” neighborhood resident CA Nation said at the hearing, urging the commission to more closely examine impacts on the residential street.

After questions and discussion, the commission moved to recommend approval of RZ25‑006 with staff conditions. Commissioners later discussed signage and added a commission recommendation that there be no commercial signage facing Chuck Road as part of the recommendation on RZ25‑007. Both recommendations passed by unanimous votes and will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.

Next steps: the City Council will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendations; if approved the applicant must submit the required lot‑combination plat, site plan, and building‑permit applications and comply with the conditions set by staff and the commission.