Valdosta council approves annexation and rezoning for 72-unit tax-credit apartment project

The Valdosta Mayor and Council on May 7 approved rezoning and annexation requests from Integrity Development Partners (IDP) to allow a 72-unit multifamily tax-credit apartment development on 6.25 acres contiguous to the city’s north line.

Planning Director Matt Martin presented maps and a conceptual site plan showing the property north of Georgia Military College and near an elementary school. The developer requested rezoning from Lowndes County residential-agriculture to the city’s residential-professional (RP) designation and sought annexation into Valdosta. Martin said county notification rules were followed and the county raised no objection to the annexation.

Steve Brooks of IDP described the company’s local track record—projects the company built in Valdosta and a 56-unit development in Tifton he said the proposed architecture would resemble—and asked for support to proceed. The planning commission had found the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval.

Council voted by show of hands first to approve the rezoning and then separately to approve annexation, adding 6.25 acres to the city limits. The council then approved a resolution of support for IDP’s Forest Ridge Apartments tax-credit application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, as presented by Interim City Manager Al Crace.

Next steps: IDP may proceed with detailed site and construction plans consistent with the rezoning and the city’s permitting procedures; the resolution of support will accompany IDP’s state tax-credit application.