A proposal by John Barrow and A Better Way Ministries to rezone a half-acre along Ga. Highway 154 just south of Thomas Crossroads from Rural Conservation (RC) to Heavy Commercial (C-8) zoning that would have accommodated a used car lot was denied Jan. 19 by the Coweta County Commission on a 4-1 vote.
County Planning Director Robert Tolleson in a letter to commissioners said the conceptual site plan for the .474-acre property fronting Hwy. 154 and adjacent to the former Catfish Hollow Restaurant was being proposed for automobile dealership parking. The proposed used car dealership would exist along side other businesses operated in the former restaurant by A Better Way Ministries.
The site is located along Hwy. 154 at Aces Circle, just south of the intersection with Ga. Highway 34 at Thomas Crossroads.
Situated in the Quality Development Corridor district, Tolleson said the property, if approved, would require enhanced landscaping.
The vote by commissioners was 4-1 to deny the rezoning request, with Commissioner Tim Lassetter the lone dissenting vote.
Asked about his vote to deny the request, Chairman Rodney Brooks said he believed businesses such as car dealerships that require C-8 zoning are better suited in industrial areas rather than in retail areas such as Thomas Crossroads. And given the required Quality Development Corridor buffer restrictions, Brooks said he did not think that would leave much room for vehicle parking on such a small piece of property.
Aside from its rehabilitation programs, A Better Way Ministries operates a number of retail and service businesses in Peachtree City and Senoia.
