Peach Commissioners approve rezoning for proposed distribution center

FORT VALLEY, Ga. — The Peach County Board of Commissioners approved the rezoning of a 190-acre property off of Highway 96 that is planned to be a warehouse and distribution center during their June board meeting on Tuesday, June 9. 

The Board of Commissioners voted 4-1, with Vice-Chairwoman Betty Hill voting in opposition, to rezone the property from R-AG Agricultural Residential District to M-1 Wholesale and Light Industrial District. Hill stated that she voted against the rezoning because her constituents opposed the change, as the property is located in her district. 

The 247.89-acre property, located on 287 Highway 96, is currently a sod farm. The proposed plan will reduce the sod farm’s acreage to 57.18 acres, with the remaining 190.71 acres converted into a warehouse and distribution center.

Multiple citizens who live near the property stepped forward during the public hearing to speak against the proposed rezoning, citing concerns of increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and light pollution. 

Regarding old business, County Attorney James F. Banter presented the Energy Systems Group, LLC. contract review, which covered energy and technology-related upgrades such as thermostats and lighting for Peach County government buildings. Banter explained that much of the contract was making sure the equipment was properly insured. The commissioners approved the contract as presented. 

Chairman Roy Lewis presented a request to the commission to send a letter to the Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC) about the creation of a land bank to address vacant properties within Peach County. The letter stated that a land bank would be a vital tool in returning the vacant properties to “productive use, stabilizing our neighborhoods, and stimulating local economic development.” The commissioners approved sending the letter 4-1, with Commissioner Shanita Howell opposed. 

Concerning new business, Banter presented a resolution for the intergovernmental agreement regarding the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) Referendum. The agreement is between the Commissioners as well as the City of Byron, the City of Fort Valley, the City of Warner Robins, and the City of Perry. This agreement would bring the TSPLOST back to citizens to vote on during the November elections. The board approved the agreement as presented.

Next was a task order from Triple Point Engineering for drainage improvements for Kay Road and Walker Road. The task order would cost approximately $17,850, which was approved by the commissioners. 

Public Works Director Bobby Cowart brought forward concerns that the company the board hired to maintain the dirt roads has not been servicing those roads as they are meant to. The board said they would look into the contract and go from there.

Assistant Fire Chief and EMA Director Ryan Roberts brought forth a quote of $35,000 to replace the tower lights at Station 6, which the commissioners approved. 

Sheriff Buck Shannon presented two separate quotes. The first was for a vehicle replacement for the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, a 2025 Ford Explorer priced at $62,899, which was approved by the commissioners. The second was a quote for communications & antenna upgrade at the E911 center, which would cost $37,081.40, which was approved by the commissioners.

County Administrator Jillian Bowen presented House Bill 1261, Free-port Exemption for the Inventory of Electric Utilities, which the commissioners approved for Bowen and Banter to move forward with creating a resolution for a 100 percent free-port exemption.

Belinda Baker, CEO of the Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence, stepped forward to present the Scholar Program Presentation. Commissioner Howell made a motion to support the Fort Valley Youth Center of Excellence with $10,000 annually. The board denied the expenditure 3-2, with Vice-Chairwoman Hill and Commissioner Howell opposing.