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Albany commission hears three rezoning requests; neighbors oppose reopening of long-closed South Madison store
Summary
Commissioners considered three rezoning cases: a proposed gas station/convenience store on Clark Avenue (rezoning to C2) with traffic and buffering concerns; a contested request at 905 South Madison where residents and a church urged denial; and a medical-office rezoning at 722 11th Ave recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.
City planning staff presented three separate rezoning requests during the Nov. 18 session, and commissioners and nearby residents raised traffic, noise and neighborhood-quality concerns in public comment.
Rezoning case 25051: Planning staff (Mr. Foggie) recommended rezoning about 1.01 acres at 210 Marie Road/214–216 Adeline from CR to C2 to allow a gas station and convenience store. Staff said access should be limited to Marie and Adeline and noted nearby commercial development along Clark Avenue; the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions including buffering between commercial and residential edges. Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on traffic mitigation (speed tables), sound mitigation (6-foot fence and potential sound study for drive-through intercoms), and whether closing and deeding a city alley was necessary for the proposed site plan.
Rezoning case 25054 (905 South Madison): This parcel historically hosted a convenience store but was zoned R3 in 1970. Planning staff noted the site’s small size (<0.2 acres) and recommended conditions if rezoned — limiting square footage, prohibiting gas stations and alcohol sales — while the planning commission recommended denial (6–0). Two neighbors, including Isaiah Blackshear Jr., and a church representative, Timothy Cross of First Mount Olive Missionary Baptist, opposed reopening a commercial use citing litter, noise, and the presence of elderly residents nearby. Commissioners discussed grandfathered nonconforming uses and the balance between neighborhood impacts and reestablishing local services.
Rezoning case 25055 (722 11th Avenue): Planning Commission recommended approval to rezone a 0.31-acre parcel from CR to C5 to allow a medical-office use; staff noted the parcel sits in FEMA Flood Zone A so any improvements would need to comply with the city’s floodplain ordinance. No citizens spoke for or against this application during the hearing.
Next steps: Each rezoning will return to the commission for action per the standard ordinance process. Where staff recommended conditions, commissioners discussed potential additions (sound studies, buffer specifications and access restrictions).
