Council reviews rezoning request for 1862 Railroad Street as owner outlines single‑family plan, resident urges ban on rentals

The Statham City Council on June 2 heard a rezoning application for 1862 Railroad Street, where owner Rob Scott is seeking to change the property’s zoning from HB (High Business) to SR‑1 (Single‑Family Residential).

City Attorney Jody Campbell opened the public‑hearing item and Chris Adamson of Carter Engineering presented the plans. Adamson said Scott, the landowner, “understands and agrees to the previously set zoning conditions.” Scott told the council he plans to develop single‑family homes and expects to build two houses at a time.

Scott said the homes would likely sell in the $500,000–$600,000 range and that many of his planned floor plans will cost about $350,000 to build. He said the homes would include two‑car garages and be served by septic systems. Scott also said the existing house on the parcel is being rented; his stated plan is to renovate and sell that house once it is vacant.

Councilmembers asked several site‑design questions. Councilmember Penn said he liked the look of the proposed houses and asked about the builder; Scott said he intends to build rather than subcontract initially. Councilmember Patterson confirmed the homes would have two‑car garages and septic. Councilmember Burnette asked whether the illustrated plans were final; Scott said the plans provided to council were similar to what would be built and that custom homes would be allowed only if they met the approved zoning conditions. On lighting, Scott said the plan is to place a light post every 60 feet.

Sidewalks and drainage were a focal point. Councilmember Burnette and Penn asked about sidewalks along Mulberry Street; Public Works Director Brett Day said a sidewalk could be built but the existing ditch would have to be piped first. Scott estimated the cost to install a sidewalk at roughly $100,000.

A resident, Elanie Wright, spoke in opposition to leaving the homes available for rental and asked that the council ensure the properties “are never allowed to be bought and used as rentals.” No formal council vote on the rezoning is recorded in the meeting minutes; Adamson said he would return to the June 16 meeting to continue the item, and Scott said he would not be present on June 16.

Next steps: the rezone application will return to the council at the June 16 meeting for additional consideration and potential action, with Carter Engineering listed as the presenter for that hearing.