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Coffee County commissioners deny three rezoning requests after public opposition
Summary
After public comment citing traffic, property-value and environmental concerns, the Coffee County Board of Commissioners unanimously denied rezoning requests for parcels on Oat Butler Road, Iron Road and Highway 32; a separate rezoning received only a first reading.
DOUGLAS, Ga. — The Coffee County Board of Commissioners unanimously rejected three rezoning requests during its Jan. 2 meeting after staff recommendations and objections from nearby residents.
Code Enforcement Director Jason Whiddon introduced a request from Emmanuel Castro Perez to rezone 3.93 acres at 280 Oat Butler Road from AG (Agriculture) to W-LI (Warehouse Light Industrial) so the property could be used to manufacture cargo trailers. Whiddon said both staff and the county Planning Commission recommended denial; resident Oscar Dewitt spoke in “strong opposition,” citing potential decreases in property values, increased traffic and road damage, noise, environmental concerns and the risk of trash accumulation. After closing the public hearing, the commission voted to deny the request.
The board likewise denied a proposal from Seven Acres Properties to rezone 31.21 acres on Iron Road from R2/C to RM (Residential Mixed) for a 67-lot subdivision. Whiddon said the Planning Commission recommended approval; however, resident Dewayne Harper testified against the rezoning over concerns about higher property taxes and additional traffic. Vice-Chairman Johnny Wayne Jowers said he did not support the change because the area is already zoned R2 and approving an RM designation could allow different construction types than the applicant described. The motion to deny passed unanimously.
A request by Marcus Horton to rezone 3.14 acres at 6878 Highway 32 East in Nicholls from AG to C (Commercial) was also denied. Whiddon reported the Planning Commission had recommended approval but county staff opposed the change, calling it spot zoning and noting the parcel lies within a State Park overlay; there were no public comments and the commission voted to deny the application.
Whiddon also presented a first reading for a rezoning by Tyrone Jordan for 5.01 acres at 1264 Iron Road, proposing a change from R2 to RM to allow duplexes or quadplexes. That item was recorded as a first reading; no final action was taken.
County Attorney Tony Rowell asked commissioners whether any member had a conflict of interest; Commissioner Ted O’Steen disclosed he owns property adjacent to one of the parcels but said he had no financial interest and was permitted to vote. All final motions on the denials were approved unanimously by the five commissioners present.
The board did not indicate an appeal schedule on the record; applicants or other interested parties would need to pursue any further administrative or legal remedies under applicable county procedures.
