Sandersville City Council voted unanimously to deny a zone change request at their Monday, November 1 City Council meeting.
Property owner Marguerite Bryant requested that the zoning for the property located at 412 W. Floyd Street in Sandersville be changed from R-3 (multi-family residence) to a C-1 (central business).
The property owner had previously requested a zone change in 2017; that request was denied.
The Sandersville Planning and Zoning Committee most recently heard this request at their meeting on Monday, October 25; they voted 5-1 to allow this request.
Prior to voting on the request, Sandersville Mayor and City Council also held a public hearing. Mayor Jimmy Andrews explained that notice of this request was advertised in the legal organ, as required by law, and a sign was placed on the property to notify the community of the request.
Property owner Bryant addressed the Mayor and Council, explaining that when she purchased the property, she was advised that the property was zoned commercial. She stated that she was issued the permits for a commercial building.
“So, I put up a metal building,” said Bryant, adding that she had plans to open a take-out style restaurant in that location.
Property owner Bryant went on to say that she was diagnosed with cancer, and could no longer work on the building at that time.
“When I went back to get a permit, I was told it had been rezoned because I had not used the building in a year,” said Bryant. She added that she was later told that the property was zoned residential.
Bryant stated during the public hearing that she has spent approximately $75,000 on the property, and pays taxes on the property.
“It’s gotten to the point where people are dumping garbage on the property, and I have to pay to get that garbage removed,” said Bryant.
Property owner Bryant explained to the Mayor and Council that she has letters from residents on Floyd Street who are supportive of a business locating in the area.
“Some people don’t have cars,” said Bryant, adding that a restaurant on Floyd Street would be convenient for the residents.
After hearing Bryant’s remarks, Councilperson Mayme Dennis stated that she met with the City’s Building Official about the zone change request, and discussed any options available.
“I feel for you for the money you’ve put in it, but we’ve had past experiences – the only way for you to open the business is to be in a C-1 operation,” said Councilperson Dennis.
Councilperson Dennis went on to say that if the Council approved a change of zoning for that property, and Bryant sold the property, someone else could open a different type of business in that location.
“You’d have no control over that, and it’s a dangerous precedence for me and my one vote to allow the zoning to change to C-1,” said Councilperson Dennis, adding that C-1 allows junkyards and liquor stores.
Councilperson Dennis commented that the City has seen residential neighborhoods where C-1 was allowed.
“And we’ve had a lot of issues,” said Councilperson Dennis.
Property owner Bryant remarked that she didn’t feel she should be punished for the past experiences.
Councilperson Henry Watts moved to deny the request; Councilperson Mayme Dennis seconded, and the vote carried unanimously.