Planning commission forwards rezoning, special‑exception request for proposed extended‑stay hotel to full commission

The Augusta Planning Commission voted to forward a rezoning petition and companion special exception for an extended‑stay hotel at 1310 and 1310A Walker Street to the full Augusta Commission with an approval recommendation.

Planning staff presented the case for Z‑26‑10 and SE‑26‑10, saying the two parcels total about 2.3 acres and are proposed for rezoning from heavy and light industrial to B‑2 general business to allow a five‑story extended‑stay hotel. Staff noted a prior 2022 special‑exception approval, multiple active code‑enforcement violations tied to the main parcel (case CEIP2050003508, 11 violations), and recommended denial because of the site’s environmental history while listing eight conditions should the commission approve.

Petitioner representative Darren Meadows said his client completed phase I and phase II environmental assessments before purchase and enrolled the property in the Georgia Brownfield program. "The initial investment for hotel construction will be approximately $27,000,000," Meadows said, and described roughly 24 employees with about 10 on a typical shift and management salaries in the $60,000–$70,000 range.

Meadows opposed two staff conditions that would require additional soil and groundwater testing and remediation plans if contamination were found, saying the reports were submitted to Georgia EPD and that the application of undefined "contamination" standards in city conditions created confusion. Staff replied it had received the materials only that morning and had not had sufficient time to complete its review.

Commissioners debated whether to accept staff’s recommended conditions. Commissioner Cooks moved to approve the rezoning while striking the first two staff conditions related to environmental testing; the motion carried on a roll call. The commission then voted to forward both the rezoning and the companion special exception to the full Augusta Commission with an approval recommendation for the July 21 meeting.

The action now goes to the Augusta Commission, which makes final decisions on rezoning matters. The planning commission’s packet included the applicant’s concept plan calling for approximately 125 guest rooms, about 133 off‑street parking spaces, lawn and patio areas, on‑site dining and fitness facilities, and references to prior zoning cases and required certificates of appropriateness for the historic‑district parcel.

If approved by the full commission, the project will still require any necessary variances, a certificate of appropriateness for the historic district parcel, and compliance with applicable development, tree, lighting and historic‑preservation requirements.

Staff contact information and the planning packet remain available through the planning department for residents seeking copies of the submitted environmental reports or the concept plan.