The Hall County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday night to postpone the decision on an industrial rezoning that would allow a commercial complex to be built on Cagle Road near Lula.
The 95.51-acre tract of land is located at 5051 Cagle Road, bordering Lula Road and Cornelia Highway. It is currently zoned as Agricultural Residential IV and Suburban Shopping. Applicant Solidum Holdings, LLC applied to rezone the land to Planned Industrial Development. The reported intent is for the area to serve as a mixed-use business park, featuring industrial, commercial, highway business and office spaces. Plots plan to be sold as “pad ready” which allows developers to customize parcels as they need.
The applicant came before the Hall County Planning Commission in early Jan., obtaining a 3 to 1 approval vote that was forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final consideration.
Access to the property is planned from Lula Road but is awaiting approval from the Georgia Department of Transportation. Additional access is planned on Cagle Road and Cornelia Highway.
The rezoning saw opposition during Thursday’s meeting. Neighboring Lula residents spoke against the complex, citing the increase in traffic as a major issue to everyday travel and safety. Additionally, residents detailed concerns about extra noise pollution, visual distaste and damaging property values.
Planning staff originally recommended approval to the planning commission, reporting the proposed use is consistent with the future land use of the area. The planning commission’s approval was complemented in Jan. by several conditions that aimed to ease concerns expressed by nearby residents.
The area in question resides in Commissioner Gregg Poole’s district (3), who was asked by the board to make a motion toward the end of the meeting. Due to issues with an unfinished traffic study and additional questions regarding the rezoning, Poole made a motion to table the item until the March 23 commission meeting.
The board voted 4 to 1 in favor of tabling the rezoning.
Other actions taken during Thursday’s meeting:
Commissioners approved a 2.12-acre rezoning at 5741 Holiday Road from Highway-Business to Planned Commercial Development. Applicant Torris J. Babbs, PE plans to use the area for a boat and RV storage facility.
Commissioners approved the design and construction phase of architectural services for interior improvements to the Hall County Health Department. The improvement bid was granted to Precision Planning, Inc. and the project is reported not to exceed $440,550.
