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Port Wentworth council denies rezoning request for 28.7 acres along Old Highway 21
Summary
The City of Port Wentworth on Nov. 20 denied a request to rezone about 28.7 acres from R-1 to C-3 for commercial development, citing traffic, access and buffer concerns. The denial was recorded as unanimous.
Port Wentworth — The City of Port Wentworth City Council denied a rezoning application from Trent Thompson on Nov. 20 that would have rezoned approximately 28.7 acres from R-1 to C-3 along Old Highway 21 and Rice Hope Plantation Road.
City Planner Katie Dunnigan told the council the parcels are intended to be consolidated with adjacent commercial land; the applicant said the combined holdings total about 47 acres, of which 18 acres are already zoned C-3. The applicant argued the rezoning would support retail and commercial development and could include roadway improvements such as opening Rice Oak Plantation Road to relieve traffic. Dunnigan noted the future land-use map identifies the area as mixed-use rather than pure commercial.
Council members focused on access and traffic impacts. City Manager Steve Davis said improvements such as a traffic signal would require Georgia Department of Transportation approval and that any public road would be built to full boulevard standards with appropriate stormwater infrastructure. Councilwoman ArtLise Alston-Cone raised concerns about protecting natural buffers between commercial and residential areas; staff said development agreements would be used to restrict certain uses and preserve buffers.
The motion on the rezoning was recorded as denied (Result: DENIED [UNANIMOUS]; Mover: Thomas Barbee; Seconder: Rufus Bright). The minutes show the denial was recorded without dissent.
Why it matters: Rezoning this parcel would have expanded contiguous commercial frontage along Highway 21 and could have changed traffic patterns and land-use near Rice Creek subdivisions. Council discussion cited infrastructure, buffer protections and compatibility with surrounding residential areas.
Next steps: The applicant may pursue alternative land-use approaches; the Planning and Zoning Commission will remain the venue for revisited applications and staff will provide a list of restricted uses if rezoning is reconsidered.
