Commissioners deny rezoning for cargo-trailer plant after neighborhood noise and water concerns

The Coffee County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 7 unanimously denied a request to rezone a 5.85-acre tract at 3623 Douglas Broxton Highway from Commercial to Warehouse Light Industrial, a change sought by applicant Eric Teniente to permit cargo-trailer manufacturing.

Code Enforcement Director Jason Whiddon told the board that staff recommended denial and that E-911 had received multiple noise complaints from May through September 2021; the Planning Commission, after tabling the item in November, later recommended approval. Neighbors at the public hearing described persistent noise and raised environmental concerns.

Residents who spoke said operations felt and sounded like heavy industrial activity. Christine Knight said she and others found it unpleasant to be outside; Marvin Knight warned that paint from the site might have reached a shared well. Don Brooks, who owns the property, and other supporters said the site has a long history of commercial uses and urged that light-warehouse zoning is typical for similar businesses.

Applicant Eric Teniente said he regretted the noise, said he wanted to keep employees on the payroll and described mitigation steps: he said paint operations were performed on concrete and that pressure washing was done weekly.

After public comment and a conflict-of-interest poll (no disclosures), Commissioner Johnny Wayne Jowers moved to deny the rezoning request; Commissioner Ted O'Steen seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor. Commissioners then approved a motion to allow the business a period to relocate. Commissioner Jimmy Kitchens moved to extend the relocation period 12 months from the meeting date; Commissioner Jowers said he preferred an extension that would end on Dec. 31, 2022, and asked county attorneys to work with the parties to finalize the timeline. The motion to grant a 12-month relocation period passed unanimously.

The record in the hearing included neighborhood noise complaints and competing claims about whether paint operations had contaminated a shared well; the commission did not adjudicate contamination claims at the meeting. The denial is final as recorded at the meeting; commissioners directed legal staff to work with the parties on the relocation timeline and related enforcement details.

The board adjourned at 11:03 a.m.