Walton County denies rezoning for used‑car lot at Highway 81 and Lee Bird Road after neighbor traffic and safety concerns

Walton County commissioners denied a rezoning request to allow a used‑vehicle sales business on 1.22 acres at Highway 81 and Lee Bird Road.

Andrea Gray, who represented applicant Ramo Manjik, described the low‑impact proposal for a Select Motors of Georgia lot with 43 parking spaces for inventory and a renovated historic house on the site. Gray said the site sits adjacent to Loganville’s commercial zoning and that proposed driveway improvements would move the entrance well back from the intersection to improve safety.

Nearby residents objected at the public hearing. Paul Becker, who lives at 934 Lee Bird Road, told the board he had contacted the Georgia Department of Transportation and reviewed crash reports showing 95 accidents between 2001 and 2026 on the stretch between Rock Road and Lee Bird and said traffic backups can block access in the area. Becker said lighting, traffic and compatibility with nearby subdivisions made the site unsuitable for a car lot.

Gray answered that auto sales are primarily online now and that the proposal would reduce the existing unsafe driveway conditions by moving the entrance and adding paved parking. The planning commission had recommended denial, and Commissioner Warren moved to accept that recommendation. The board ultimately voted to deny the rezoning; the chair noted the board’s procedural requirement that four affirmative votes are needed to decide some matters before the board.

Next steps: The denial stands; applicant may pursue other options consistent with existing zoning or return with a revised application in the future.