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Coffee County commissioners deny rezoning for proposed asphalt plant after residents and staff raise concerns
Summary
The Coffee County Board of Commissioners unanimously rejected CT Realty Investment Group’s request to rezone 142.10 acres at 450 Chaney Road from agricultural to heavy industrial for an asphalt plant after staff said the proposal conflicts with the county Comprehensive Plan and nearby residents cited environmental and traffic concerns.
The Coffee County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 unanimously rejected a rezoning request from CT Realty Investment Group to convert 142.10 acres at 450 Chaney Road from AG (agriculture) to W, HI (warehouse/heavy industrial) for the purpose of selling the site to an investor and siting an asphalt plant.
Code Enforcement Director Jason Whiddon told the board the Planning Commission had recommended approval, but county staff recommended denial because the property is not designated for light or heavy industrial use in the county’s Comprehensive Plan. "This request does not fit into our County Comprehensive Plan," Whiddon said during his presentation.
Several nearby residents testified in opposition. Greg Tanner said about 100 people live nearby and noted three churches and Indian Creek are in the area. Bob Chaney raised concerns about groundwater and potential impacts on tenants in a nearby rental property, and Larry Chaney warned a new rail spur would increase grade‑crossing problems along Highway 32.
An investor, Clarence Stewart of Jacksonville, Florida, spoke in favor, saying he had an "emission comparison study" that showed no odor at comparable plants and asserting that "these plants are highly regulated." County Attorney Tony Rowell explained that the Comprehensive Plan must be considered in zoning decisions and advised the board on how the plan mitigates against approval in this location.
After closing the public hearing and confirming no commissioner had a conflict of interest, Commissioner Ted O’Steen moved to reject the rezoning request; Vice Chairman Johnny Wayne Jowers seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The denial leaves the property's agricultural zoning in place. Staff and the applicant were encouraged to discuss alternative sale or development options that would conform to the Comprehensive Plan.
