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Planning staff backs rezoning of 13.3-acre parcel at Highway 136 connector; commissioners approve
Summary
Pickens County planning staff recommended rezoning a 13.32-acre parcel at the Highway 136 connector from agricultural to Highway Business; the planning commission approved the application after discussion about traffic, buffers and a resident objection.
Planning staff recommended approval of a rezoning request for a 13.32-acre property at 86 Highway 136 Connector, and the Pickens County planning commission voted to advance the application.
Charles, planning staff, told the commission the site (Parcel 018019) is located at the southwest corner of the Highway 136 intersection adjacent to a newly constructed roundabout and is surrounded by commercial, industrial and residential uses. "Given its strategic location and anticipated ongoing development in the area, the proposed highway business zoning is compatible," Charles said, and recommended approval to "enhance the property's economic potential and support regional growth."
Attorney Mike Ray, speaking for the applicants identified as D and J Keeter, urged the commission to approve the change from agricultural to Highway Business. Ray said the roundabout and recent road improvements make the parcel suitable for commercial development and noted that vegetative buffering could address adjacency concerns.
A resident email from Mary Bell urged the county to keep the land in agricultural use and said she did not want a Dollar General or similar development there. The commission discussed traffic impacts, access controlled by the Georgia Department of Transportation and the potential uses a future owner might pursue — from storage and mechanical work to a convenience store — but no specific buyer was announced.
During discussion commissioners asked for assurances on buffers and DOT driveway control; Charles indicated buffer requirements and DOT review were part of the process. A motion to approve the application was made and seconded; the commission approved the recommendation and closed the hearing. The transcript records at least one dissenting vote during the roll call but does not provide a complete tally in the record.
Next steps: The planning commission's favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the Pickens County Board of Commissioners for final action.
