Commission backs annexation and rezoning for 72‑unit apartment project on N. Forrest St.

The Greater Lowndes Planning Commission recommended approval of concurrent requests to annex 6.258 acres at 4255 North Forrest Street Extension into the City of Valdosta and to rezone the parcel from Residential Agricultural (R‑A) to Residential Professional (R‑P) to allow development of a 72‑unit apartment complex utilizing tax credit housing.

Planner Amy Martin said the site is vacant, contiguous to Valdosta city limits, and located in the Community Activity Center character area on the Future Development Map, making it compatible with higher density residential uses. Applicant Steve Brooks described plans to replicate prior projects and reported the development would include one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units with one parking space per bedroom; he estimated occupancy within "twenty‑four to twenty‑six months." Commissioners noted nearby institutional uses including Georgia Military College and Dewar Elementary School and found the proposed R‑P zoning consistent with the evolving development pattern. Commissioner Vicki Roundtree moved to recommend approval of the rezoning and annexation; Commissioner Calvin Graham seconded and both motions passed 10‑0.

Brooks said city water is adjacent and sewer is planned for the immediate future; a new city fire station is within roughly 600 feet of the site. The commission’s recommendation will go to the City of Valdosta for final action.