Planning Commission hears support, opposition
The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission unanimously recommended the denial of a rezoning proposal that would turn agricultural property into an industrial area north of Winterville on Thursday.
The Planning Commission heard the proposal to rezone a 200-acre property off of Old Elberton Road in what is known as the county’s so-called “green belt.” A Peachtree Corners law firm representing the developers did not specify the purpose of the over 2 million square feet of buildings they are seeking to construct at Thursday’s meeting.
Planning Department officials confirmed Monday that the development would not become a data center if approved, despite some submitted documents suggesting otherwise. The owners are seeking an Employment-Industrial zoning classification, which does not allow heavy industrial uses such as data centers.
Commissioner Patrick Davenport of the 1st District said Monday that he does not know how he will vote on the rezoning application when it comes forward in October. However, he thinks that the applicant has not been transparent. “I think they’re more interested in making a bang for their buck,” he said. “If you know that you have something in place, be up front and transparent about it.”
At Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting, lawyers representing the property owners said the property is no longer profitable and that it needs to be rezoned in order to be sold.
Several neighbors of the project stepped forward at the meeting to oppose the rezoning proposal on Old Elberton Road. They said a change to industrial zoning would negatively impact their quality of life and natural resources in the area. They also said it would endanger children at nearby Coile Middle School.
The property owner’s lawyers did not respond to a request for comment.
Greenbelt faces uncertain future
The rezoning proposal on Old Elberton Road has moved Athens’ greenbelt into the spotlight—at least in public meetings. The land on the outskirts of the county is currently zoned for agricultural and residential uses. However, as Athens’ population expands and the county’s Future Land Use Map is under revision, the greenbelt’s zoning may change. Commissioner Davenport says he is committed to protecting it. “Most developers are eyeing that greenbelt. Studies have shown that green space provides sanctuary for animals and for people,” he said.
The greenbelt has been relatively untouched for 25 years, according to planning department officials. As Athens’ population expected to grow by 20,000 in the next several decades, that could change.
