Fayette County approves rezoning for veteran service‑dog program despite neighbor objections

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Fayette County commissioners on Aug. 28 approved rezoning 53.81 acres on Coastline Road to Agricultural‑Residential to allow 'Healing for Heroes,' a nonprofit that trains service dogs for veterans and first responders, to establish a permanent training facility.

The board voted 3-1 to approve Petition 1365‑25, with Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell making the motion and Commissioner Charles W. Oddo seconding; Commissioner Charles D. Rousseau voted in opposition and Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons had recused himself earlier because of an ownership interest in the property. The approval includes a condition that a fence be constructed once the facility is built.

Planning and Zoning Director Debbie Bell summarized staff and Planning Commission support, saying the parcel met the A‑R district standards. Applicant Piper Nichole Victoria Hill described 'Healing for Heroes' as a national nonprofit that trains dogs for veterans, first responders and families and said the program provides training at no cost to recipients. "This program trains dogs for veterans but more than that, it's a mind, body, and soul program," Hill said.

Several residents spoke in favor, including Athena Feliciano, Susan Hall and Brandy Spore, saying the program "saved their lives" and that trained dogs provide medication retrieval, crisis alerts and companionship. Dozens of neighbors voiced opposition during the public hearing, citing concerns that the site would become a commercial operation in a residential area, increase noise and risk of roaming dogs or clients with anxiety or PTSD entering the neighborhood, and could reduce property values.

Hill said the facility would be largely wooded with only about an acre cleared, kennels would be inside the building, the site would be double‑gated with 6‑foot fencing and participants are vetted through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "We will have policemen/security at every class who would handle any on‑site disturbances or issues," she said.

Commissioner Rousseau said his concern was that rezoning opens the parcel to a wider range of uses if sold in the future, and that applicants should consult neighbors earlier in the process. Chairman Lee Hearn said the property's size and topography provided buffers and that the program merited support.

The board's action changes the zoning from R‑70 to A‑R for Parcel 0724 002 and records a condition requiring a fence upon construction. Vice Chairman Gibbons returned to the meeting after the vote and the board took a five‑minute recess before continuing the evening's agenda.

The next step is administrative: staff will record the rezoning and the attached condition in county zoning records. No construction permits were discussed or approved during the Aug. 28 meeting.