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Planning commission recommends approval for 4‑story mixed‑use building at 111 W. Hill Ave.
Summary
The Greater Lowndes Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a four‑story mixed‑use building at 111 West Hill Avenue that would add 54 apartments and roughly 16,000 sq ft of ground‑floor commercial space; the decision was advisory and was unanimous (8‑0).
A downtown Valdosta property at 111 West Hill Avenue won a recommendation from the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission on Jan. 26 for a four‑story mixed‑use building combining ground‑floor commercial space and 54 apartments.
Senior Planner Amy Martin told commissioners the proposal would place more than 16,000 square feet of leasable retail and office space on the ground floor with 54 one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments above, a total project footprint of about 170 by 70 feet on a 1.25‑acre downtown parcel. The plan was reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission (file # HPC‑2025‑148), and staff found the project consistent with the Downtown Activity Center character in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: that the residential portion be dwellings and Home Occupations only (no Home Businesses or non‑residential uses) and that the residential portion not exceed 80 bedrooms; and that the CUP expire if a building permit is not issued within two years.
Commissioners asked staff practical questions about unit type, parking, and signage. Planning Director Matt Martin said requests for dwelling units in the C‑D district are considered on a case‑by‑case basis and confirmed the units will be apartments (no firewalls or detached units). Amy Martin noted the site plan locates parking to the rear and that signage will require a separate zoning review despite the design review already completed by the HPC.
No members of the public spoke in favor or in opposition during the public hearing. Commissioner Franklin Bailey moved to recommend approval with the two staff conditions; the motion carried unanimously, 8‑0. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; final action will occur at the applicable local government public hearings listed on the project agenda.
