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Turin council advances first reading to rezone 42 South Hunter Street for local quilt shop amid mixed public comment
Summary
After a public hearing on June 15, the Town of Turin council advanced on first reading a Planning Commission recommendation to rezone 42 South Hunter Street from Single-Family Residential (R-40) to General Commercial (GC). Supporters cited small-business growth and local jobs; a nearby resident warned about future uses and asked whether zoning could revert if the business fails.
The Town of Turin council on June 15 advanced on first reading a request to rezone 42 South Hunter Street (parcel T01 0006 013) from Single-Family Residential (R-40) to General Commercial (GC) after a public hearing that produced both support and opposition.
During public comment, Sam Smith of 211 Lecoja Trail said his family has lived in Turin since 1905 and that his concern was "not the business that wants to rezone at this time, but what may come next," asking whether the council could require the property to revert to R-40 if the proposed business did not succeed. Several speakers urged the council to consider empty commercial spaces already in downtown Turin as alternatives.
Meredith Duke, the owner seeking the rezoning, said she started the business in 2015 in her basement, opened a first storefront in Fayetteville in 2021 (which lasted 15 months), moved to a larger space about three years ago, and currently employs five full-time and four part-time workers, all women. Duke told the council she wants to bring the business back to Coweta County and believes it would add value to Turin's downtown commerce.
Other residents speaking in favor said the proposed tenant is compatible with downtown businesses and would help grow female-owned enterprises in town. Cathryn Bankhead, who said she has supported the business and its retreats, characterized quilting as a large industry and urged support for small businesses.
Mayor Sprouse closed the public hearing. Council member Lydia Wallin moved to advance the rezoning request as a first reading; Council member Patricia Smith seconded and the motion "carried," according to the minutes. The minutes do not record a roll-call vote or a final adoption; the record indicates the council advanced the application to the next step in the rezoning process.
The rezoning request was filed with the town clerk and accompanied by a Planning Commission recommendation available for public review at the clerk's office. The minutes do not specify whether the council attached conditions (for example, a reversion clause) to the rezoning; neighbors who spoke urged consideration of such conditions.
Next steps are a subsequent council review consistent with the town's zoning procedures and any required public notices or additional readings before final adoption.
