Columbus, Georgia

PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION



MEETING MINUTES

May 21, 2003



A meeting of the Planning Advisory Commission was held Wednesday, May 21, 2003

in the Council Chambers on the Plaza Level of the Government Center.



Commissioners Present: Chairperson Brad Dodds, Vice Chairperson Rick McKnight,

Shep Mullin, Derrick Shields, Berry Henderson, Karl Douglass and Bob Crane.



Staff Members: Will Johnson, Zoning Administrator, and Tina Trant, Recorder.



Commissioners Absent: Michael Corradino, Sharon Jamison



Others Present: James West, Edith M. West, Terry W. Chappell, Reba Cheney,

Lawrence Cheney, Chad Hargett, Wanda Chappell, Mary Jo Hargett, Rhonda Walters,

Ken Henson, Sid Dykes, and Frank Morast.



I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Dodds called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

Chairperson Dodds explained the rezoning process to the audience.



II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairperson Dodds asked for a motion for the May 7,

2003 minutes to be accepted. Commissioner Shields made a motion to accept the

minutes. Vice Chairperson McKnight seconded the motion. The minutes were

approved unanimously.



III. REZONING CASES:



1. ZC0304-5: A request to rezone the properties located at 4715, 4711,

& 4707 11th Avenue and 1029, 1033, & 1037 47th Street. The current zoning is

C-3 (GeneralCommercial) District. The proposed zoning is R-3 (Medium

DensityResidential) District. The property is to be used for single family

residential.



Habitat for Humanity, Applicant



Mr. Will Johnson read the Finding of Facts for this case. This case is

consistent with the Comprehensive Plan (P. D. 5), which shows Medium Density

Residential for this area. It is also a Redevelopment Area. It is consistent

with Policy Statements for Planning District 5, Residential Development Policy

Statement #3. It is compatible with existing land uses. It is served by

public water, sanitary sewer, and all City services. The property does not lie

within the studied floodplain and floodway area. The Engineering Department

will need to approve a drainage plan prior to issuance of a Site Development

permit. The request does not constitute spot zoning. It will not have a

negative impact on the transportation network. It must meet the Codes and

Regulations of the City of Columbus, Consolidated Government for residential

usage. No special conditions are needed. There were no comments from adjoining

property owners.



Rhonda Walters, representing Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc., came to

the podium. She stated they are trying to start construction in this area in

September. There will be five single- family units.



Chairperson Dodds stated that Commissioner Mullin would be voting in place of

Commissioner Jamison and that Commissioner Crane would be voting for

Commissioner Corradino. He also entertained a motion. Commissioner Shields

made a motion to approve the rezoning based on the fact that it is consistent

with the future land-use map of the Comprehensive Plan and a policy statement,

and it is served by all City services. Commissioner Douglass seconded the

motion. The case was approved unanimously.





2. ZC0301-1: A request to rezone the property located at the northeast corner

of Whitesville Road and Williams Road. Thecurrent zoning is A-1 (Agriculture)

District. The proposed zoning is A-O (Apartment-Office) District. The property

is to be used for a nursing home.



Timber Creek Management, LLC

Mr. Will Johnson read the Finding of Facts for this case. This case is

consistent with Comprehensive Plan (P. D. 2), which shows General Commercial.

Policy statements are not addressed. It is compatible with existing land

uses. It is served by public water, sanitary sewer and all City services. The

property does not lie within the studied floodplain and floodway area. The

Engineering Department will need to approve a drainage plan prior to issuance

of a Site Development permit. The request does not constitute spot zoning. It

will not have a negative impact on the transportation network. A traffic study

was completed which addresses intersection improvements. Special conditions

are needed: 1) all lighting shall be directed internally using deflector

shields, 2) no external trash dumpsters / compactors shall be permitted along

the property lines bordered by the A-1 zoning district, 3) any external trash

dumpsters / compactors shall be visually obstructed by a structure that is

aesthetically similar to the proposed development, and 4) screening for air

conditioners, refrigeration units, and heat pumps shall be required for all

development on the property. There were comments from adjoining property

owners opposing this request. A petition opposing this case was handed out to

all the PAC members.



Mr. Johnson addressed the traffic improvements that have been proposed. Mr.

Johnson saw an aerial of the plans and they are quite extensive. There will be

right turn lanes, each about 100 feet long or longer on Williams Road and on

Whitesville Road going north. Whitesville Road will be improved to a

three-lane section on the north side of Williams Road. It will run down to

where it is already three laned at Double Churches Road. It will tie into the

part of Whitesville that goes south to Double Churches Road. There will be

right and left turn lanes off Williams Road. Williams Road should be improved

to include a two way left turn lane from Whitesville Road to Williams Way. An

additional east bound thru lane should be constructed to extend from

Whitesville Road to the intersection of Williams Way from a right turn lane

drop onto I-185 southbound ramp. These are all recommendations. Williams and

Whitesville will be signalized.

Ken Henson, representing the Hospital Authority of Columbus, stated that they

have a contract subject to the property being rezoned to A-O to purchase this

property. The Muscogee Manor

Nursing Home may be relocated in the future. They will leave a 100-foot

natural buffer on



Whitesville Road subject to the landscape needs and fence. There will be a

curb cut on Whitesville Road and one on Williams Road.



Edith West and Lawrence Cheney, residents of Heiferhorn subdivision, came to

the podium to speak. They stated that they were in favor of the nursing home.

They also stated that they would be in favor of a reversionary clause or a use

restriction. Most of the neighbors agrees with this concept.



After a brief discussion, Chairman Dodds entertained a motion. Vice Chairman

McKnight made a motion to approve this rezoning based on the fact that it was

consistent with the future land-use map of the Comprehensive Plan, it is

compatible with existing land-uses, and it does not constitute spot zoning.

Special conditions are needed: 1) all lighting shall be directed internally

using deflector shields, 2) no external trash dumpsters / compactors shall be

permitted along the property lines bordered by the A-1 zoning district, 3) any

external trash dumpsters / compactors shall be visually obstructed by a

structure that is aesthetically similar to the proposed development, 4)

screening for air conditioners, refrigeration units, and heat pumps shall be

required for all development on the property, 5) a 100-foot natural, landscaped

buffer shall front Whitesville Road, 6) only one curb-cut shall be permitted on

Whitesville Road, 7) only one curb- cut shall be permitted on Williams Road for

this use, and 8) if the property is not used for a nursing home then it shall

be rezoned back to A-1 by the Planning Division. Commissioner Henderson

seconded the motion. The case was approved unanimously.





IV. NEW BUSINESS



Mr. Johnson stated that he contacted the Georgia Planning Association

concerning the Community Planning Institute (CPI). The CPI is an introductory

course for planning commissioners, elected officials, et al. The course will

be offered in the fall of 2003.



V. OLD BUSINESS



None.



VI. ADJOURNMENT



Chairperson Dodds adjourned the meeting at 10:37 a.m.









___________________________________ ___________________________________



Bradford Dodds, Chairperson Will Johnson, Zoning Administrator