Gas Station, Retail Proposals at 81 & Upchurch, East Lake Pkwy

The zoning advisory board will meet on Thursday, September 8. During the meeting, the board will consider new proposals for gas stations, fast food restaurants and retail space at SR 81 & Upchurch Road and East Lake Parkway at Springdale Road.

The zoning board meeting starts at 6:30 pm at the county admin building. The board makes recommendations on zoning cases before the board of commissioners will consider each case at a later date. The BOC makes the final decision.

Update: the zoning board recommended approval of the requests.

In addition to gas stations, the zoning board will also consider a proposed development at state route 81 and North Ola Road.

SR 81 & Upchurch Road

Mehulkumar Gajjar of Locust Grove, GA is requesting the rezoning of six acres at the northeast corner of state route 81 & Upchurch Road. He is also seeking a land use map amendment to support commercial development.

The proposed development includes a gas station and convenience store with attached car wash, drive-thru restaurant, auto parts store and retail space. Road access would be off both highway 81 and Upchurch Road.

Presently, the property supports low-density residential use on the land use map and has RA zoning. Planning staff are recommending approval on the map amendment and rezoning request.

The applicant, Mr. Gajjar, previously sought rezoning for a new gas station at Tanger Blvd and Indian Creek Road in Locust Grove. The city council approved the request in April 2021.

East Lake Pkwy at Springdale Road

Finally, the zoning board will consider another commercial project at East Lake Parkway and Springdale Road. Specifically, the request includes 7.7 acres at the northwest corner of the intersection.

Eagles Landing Equity Holdings, LLC of Chamblee, GA is proposing a gas station with attached fast food restaurants, car wash, retail space and a freestanding drive-thru restaurant. The land use map has a mixed-use label and supports the development.

Planning staff are recommending approval of the zoning change. Draft zoning conditions would require the developer to build a 14’ wide multiuse path along East Lake Parkway. This recommendation is part of the Henry County Trails Plan.

Featured image shows SR 81 & Upchurch Road architectural rendering. Photo credit GM Architect / Google satellite image.