Recently submitted rezoning requests propose new distribution space in Locust Grove and Stockbridge. The two requests are on Colvin Drive and Davidson Parkway.
Gardner Logistics Park Phase III
The Locust Grove city council voted to approve the rezoning of 95.48 +/- acres during its meeting on Monday, May 3. The property is located north of Colvin Drive between the Norfolk Southern railroad and Davis Lake Road.
The applicant, Scannell Properties of Indianapolis, IN, previously developed two phases of Gardner Logistics Park. Tenants include Home Depot and Love’s Truck Stops. Now, phase III proposes one 1,201,560 square foot building. For comparison, Building B at Lambert Farms measures 1.1 million square feet.
Road access will be from Colvin Drive and Davis Lake Road. Previous site plans showed driveways on Pine Grove Road, but they were removed. The developer recently completed intersection improvements to state route 42 at Colvin Drive. The improvements will help traffic flow in and out of the site.
The Locust Grove city council annexed the subject property in December 2018. At the time, Henry County commissioners objected to the proposed distribution center. Because of the objection, the applicant had to delay their rezoning request at least one year.
The council voted 4-2 to approve the rezoning request. Council members Breedlove and Greer voted against the request. In the preceding agenda item, they voted 3-3 to amend the future land use map to support the request. Council members Boone, Shearouse and Taylor voted in favor of the change; whereas, council members Breedlove, Greer and Williams voted against it. Mayor Price broke the tie in favor of the amendment.
Davidson Parkway Commerce Center
In the city of Stockbridge, applicants are seeking the rezoning of 75.54 +/- acres to develop business distribution space. The proposed development is off Davidson Parkway adjacent to I-75 and I-675.
The applicant, EastGroup Properties of Atlanta, GA, is proposing five buildings totaling 730,690 square feet of space. According to their website, the company focuses on “being a leading provider in its markets of functional, flexible and quality business distribution space for location sensitive customers (primarily in the 15,000 to 70,000 square foot range).” Previous projects in metro Atlanta includes sites in Acworth and Lawrenceville.
Planning staff notified Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) on Friday, April 30, about the request. Because of the project’s size, it requires review by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The review process is known as a development of regional impact (DRI). The review allows ARC staff to make comments about the site design. It also requires a traffic impact study.
Though less common in Henry County, the Atlanta area has seen a growing number of smaller distribution centers. They are increasingly being used for “last mile” centers. The centers focus on expediting the delivery of e-commerce orders. For example, Amazon is opening four new delivery stations across metro Atlanta this year.
The Stockbridge council will hold a public hearing and vote on the request following the DRI review. Update: the city council denied the rezoning request.
Featured image shows the concept site plan for Gardner Logistics Park phase III. Photo credit E&A.
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