Racetrack conditional-use for diesel fueling canopy approved amid 18‑wheeler concerns

Banks County commissioners approved a conditional‑use permit for Racetrack to add a four‑position diesel canopy behind its store, but asked county counsel and Racetrack to draft clearer language discouraging 18‑wheel tractor‑trailers after residents warned the project could worsen traffic at the Tanger Boulevard/US‑441 intersection.

The Planning and Zoning office recommended approval with six conditions, including limiting expansion to four islands, prohibiting fueling of tractor‑trailers (condition 3), prohibiting bathhouses, scales and parking in the new area, requiring landscaping of unused acreage and coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation during roadway work. Carrie Fin Cannon told the board the Planning Commission supported the conditional use with those stipulations.

Roshi Craven, a Racetrack project manager, and John Preedy, Racetrack director of real estate, said the company would comply with most conditions but asked the county to remove condition three. "We would like to remove that condition because that condition really cannot be regulated," Craven said, arguing the driveway is open and signage cannot reliably stop large trucks. Preedy said the canopy is not intended as a truck stop and that the design is a "flow through" fueling center without showers or overnight parking.

Several residents and nearby property owners challenged that view at the public hearing. Barbara Lindorm, who gave her address as 980 Bennett Road, said the community’s concern centers on whether 18‑wheelers could be kept out: "If it's got the certainty around it being ten wheel or less, 18 wheelers is what really changes it," she said. Greg Jewell called the site "not the right place" for tractor‑trailers and described the idea of more semis as a traffic hazard. Jodie Parks asked whether lowering the canopy height could physically bar large rigs.

Supporters of the project said redevelopment would replace an abandoned hotel and bring landscaping and investment. Will Cobb of Norton Agency, who said he has represented Racetrack for years, called the company a reliable local operator and said the redevelopment would remove an eyesore and invest "over $300,000" in the site.

Commissioners pressed applicants about traffic studies and coordination with GDOT; Racetrack representatives said they had shared truck studies with GDOT and expect a new signal at Tanger Boulevard will help circulation. After discussion the board moved to accept the Planning Commission conditions emphasizing landscaping and the three‑aisle plan, and directed county legal to work with Racetrack to craft language on discouraging large tractor‑trailers that both sides can accept. The motion was seconded and advanced to the vote portion of the meeting.

The approval is conditional on the applicants meeting the stated site restrictions (no showers, no scales, no new parking spaces) and on further work with county counsel to clarify the scope and enforceability of any restrictions on heavy trucks. The company and county staff were asked to return with or circulate final language for commissioners to review before the condition is finalized.