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Neighbors say lot too small for gas station; applicant argues planning criteria met
Summary
A rezoning request (R2603) for a 0.861-acre Bethlehem Road parcel to allow a convenience store with fuel drew objections from nearby residents who said the lot is undersized for a gas station and that DOT interchange work changes traffic patterns; the applicant noted adjacent highway-business zoning and planner recommendation for approval.
At a public hearing Aug. 4 the council heard competing views on rezoning 1609 Bethlehem Road (R2603) from light industrial to highway business to permit a 3,500-square-foot convenience store with gasoline.
"Your code requires a minimum of 1 acre to establish a gas station with a store. This parcel is 0.86 under section 3-0 through 8 under the UDC," Kim Kasting told the council, arguing the lot was undersized and that a nearby Georgia Department of Transportation interchange under construction would change traffic patterns before the project could open. Kasting also raised safety concerns because the parcel sits near a two-lane Bethlehem Road and a fire station.
Applicant representative Jeff Deloach said the site is contiguous with existing highway-business zoning and that public water and sanitary sewer are available. He described the proposed single-story convenience store with EV chargers and hours of 6 a.m.–11 p.m., and said the city planner's analysis concluded zoning criteria were met and recommended approval without conditions.
Planning staff summarized the physical setting and concluded the majority of zoning standards supported the rezoning. The council did not adopt a final decision that evening and asked that any remaining technical questions be provided to staff for follow-up.
