Locust Grove to consider annexing ninety-eight acres

Updates to this article are available linked below:

• DRI application submitted to the state (October 9)

September 17 update: the city council voted 3-2, with council members Greer and Boone against, to accept the applications for annexation.

A public hearing will follow at a later date to annex the properties or decline the land owners’ request.

The Locust Grove council will consider eight applications for annexation during Monday night’s council meeting. If the applications are accepted, the city will consider potential impacts to municipal services and notify the county about the request before rendering a decision on incorporating the properties into the city.

The applications total 98.3 acres enclosed by Pine Grove Road, Davis Lake Road and Colvin Drive. The Norfolk Southern railroad forms the western property border. The majority of the land is owned by the Gardner family who rezoned their historic peach orchard for industrial land use earlier this year. The Gardner 42 warehouses broke ground in August.

A request to rezone the land to light manufacturing is anticipated if the annexation occurs. The unincorporated Henry County future land use map designates the land for medium density residential, but the city of Locust Grove FLUM designates adjoining lots for industrial use.

The council meeting will also include five public hearings. A requested rezoning for duplexes along Grove Road, variances to reduce front setbacks within Locust Grove Station, and a conditional use permit for a scrap metal / recycling facility on Walker Crossing are included.

The Locust Grove city council will meet on September 17 at 6 PM to consider accepting the applications. The meeting will be held at the Locust Grove public safety building next to city hall. The meeting agenda is available here.