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Tift County commissioners deny rezoning for convenience store with gas pumps at Old Ocilla Road
Summary
The board denied a request to rezone 5.12 acres at 1949 Old Ocilla Road from R21 to CC to allow a convenience store with gas pumps after residents raised traffic, flooding and public-safety concerns; the motion to deny passed 6-0.
The Tift County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 9 voted to deny TC-ZA-23-10, a petition to rezone 5.12 acres at 1949 Old Ocilla Road from R21 (medium-density residential) to CC (community commercial) for a convenience store with gas pumps.
Community Development Services Director Chris Davis described the site as contiguous on two sides with existing CC zoning and noted a vacant, dilapidated house on the parcel. The property lies in an AE flood zone; Davis said that status does not prohibit building but subjects structures to stricter requirements and that any developer would need to submit a drainage plan showing all drainage would remain on the property.
Applicant Michael Bowen spoke in favor of the rezoning. Several nearby residents presented a petition and spoke against the proposal, citing concerns about traffic, lighting, noise, flood risk and crime. County Attorney Anthony Rowell asked commissioners to disclose conflicts of interest; none were reported.
Commissioner Stan Stalnaker moved to deny the rezoning because of existing traffic concerns; Commissioner Melissa Hughes seconded and the motion carried 6-0.
The decision leaves the parcel in its R21 residential zoning. Residents who spoke said their opposition was based on public-safety and quality-of-life concerns; the board did not adopt mitigation conditions because the motion denied the rezoning request.
