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Commission denies rezoning request for 2718 Mechanics Ave after neighborhood opposition
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously denied David Campbell’s request to rezone 2718 Mechanics Ave from R‑1 to Business following sustained neighbor objections about parking, processions, lighting, historic fabric and alleged spot zoning.
The Town of Thunderbolt Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 19, 2020 voted unanimously to deny a petition to rezone 2718 Mechanics Ave (parcel 3-0004-12-019) from R‑1 (residential) to Business.
Petitioner David Campbell, represented by attorney James Blackburn and engineer Scott Burns, said he operates a funeral‑related business from a land‑locked site at Barnard and Park and seeks a new location. Campbell said he employs seven full‑time workers, that viewings would be limited to a two‑hour window and he does not expect more than about 100 people at one time. Attorney Blackburn told the commission that Institutional‑Professional (I‑P) zoning might be more compatible with the proposed use than Business zoning.
Neighbors raised multiple objections. Some questioned the notification process; Clerk/Zoning Administrator Deatre Denion said letters had been mailed in advance of the July and August meetings and a sign had been posted on the property. Residents described traffic and egress problems, potential procession impacts, parking adequacy and concerns about lights and seeing a hearse in the neighborhood. Fredrick Maner characterized the request as “spot zoning” and warned it would reduce home values; another commenter called it “a can of worms.”
Former Savannah city council member John Hall spoke in support of Campbell, saying the petitioner is a reputable businessman and urging the commission to give Campbell a chance to rehabilitate a deteriorating structure. Hall told the commission, “He will bend over backwards to work with you.”
Town Attorney Charlie Barrow cautioned the board that the petition before it was strictly a zoning change; questions about parking, trees and traffic are separate permitting or development issues. Commissioners discussed whether I‑P zoning might be a better fit, but Commissioner Len Hiers moved to deny the rezoning petition; Commissioner Andrew Chivers seconded and the motion to deny passed unanimously.
The denial leaves the property in its existing R‑1 residential zoning; the transcript records no conditional approvals or follow‑up timetable. Commissioners did not adopt an alternative rezoning or a referral for a different zoning classification at this meeting.
