The Putnam County Commission met Nov. 18 to address a wide-ranging agenda, beginning with a rezoning request from Imperial Park Holdings LLC to convert three acres at 301 New Phoenix Road from agricultural (AG) to commercial (C-1).
The property, at the intersection of Old and New Phoenix Roads, is intended for a convenience store with fuel pumps.
Previously tabled in August, the renewed request was supported by county planning staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Rick McAllister, the agent for the developer, said the project aligned with existing commercial zoning on nearby corners and met traffic study requirements.
Opposition came from nearby residents, including Sharon Callahan, who spoke to commissioners about traffic concerns. She also asked what public benefit would be served?
“This gas station-convenience store benefits no one except (petitioner) Mr. Emery. Definitely not the residents of Phoenix Crossing in the surrounding community,” Callahan stated.
Alternatively, Kay Copeland spoke in favor, emphasizing economic growth and rising tax revenues, describing the rezoning as a necessary adaptation to Putnam County’s growth.
Citing concerns about noise, traffic, and access for nearby residents, District 3 Commissioner Steve Hersey, whose district this development would lie in, proposed mitigating measures as an amendment, including building an eight-foot-tall privacy fence bordering residential property, adding public restrooms, and restricting store hours to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney defended the rezoning and conditions, stressing property rights and landowner interests.
“Growth is coming,” he stated. “The best thing we can do is mold it to what we live with.”
District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett expressed concern over community opposition and limited evidence of need.
“It’s hard to see a strong commercial need for another gas station, another convenience store … and the community actively does not want it,” Garrett acknowledged.
After debate, Hersey’s amendment failed in a 3-2 vote, with Chairman Bill Sharp breaking a tie by joining McElhenney and District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten in approving the redistricting, based on staff-recommended conditions and additional safeguards proposed by McElhenney.
McAllister expressed surprise at the last-minute conditions but indicated willingness to proceed.
The decision sets the stage for the first commercial development at this intersection amid growing tension between landowner rights and resident preferences.
The commission then considered another rezoning request from Tyler and Allie Mathis in District 4 to rezone one acre of their property at 166 Dennis Station Rd. from AG to residential (R-2). They plan to build a house while maintaining an existing single-wide mobile home on the single acre for family use.
Tyler Mathis explained to the commission the need to separate the parcels to meet conservation requirements. County zoning staff confirmed that one primary residence per agricultural parcel is allowed, which requires the split. The commission unanimously approved the request.
Another rezoning request came from Lowell White, agent for One Thirteen Investment LLC, to rezone 1.16 acres at 881 Harmony Rd. from C-1 to C-2 to better align the property’s zoning with its current commercial use.
White explained the property had been used for storage and small equipment related to his lighting store and a Piedmont Water subsidiary. County staff clarified that C-2 zoning allows more intensive and outdoor commercial uses than C-1. After discussion, the commission approved the rezoning, noting discrepancies in the current zoning maps that showed some neighboring parcels inaccurately as C-1.
The Board also approved a resolution Monday night requesting state legislation to allow it to fill vacancies in office, sparking debate over local representation versus state oversight.
The “Gary McElhenney Resolution,” named after the District 1 commissioner who passed away in May 2024, was proposed after past vacancies left districts unrepresented for months.
The resolution would allow the board to appoint a replacement from the affected district who is a member of the prior officeholder’s political party, with the local party nominating the candidate. If the vacancy occurs more than 12 months before a general election, a special election would follow; otherwise, the appointee would then serve the remainder of the term.
Hersey opposed the measure, citing existing state law that allows the Superior Court's chief judge to make short-term appointments. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said, praising the judge as a neutral third party.
Supporters argued the amendment ensures local representation and continuity.
“Language like this ensures the appointee is from the district and from the political party … it allows for a district not to go unrepresented,” McElhenney said.
The board voted 3-1 in favor, with Hersey dissenting. Sharp confirmed the resolution would be sent to the state delegation for consideration.
The meeting also featured a public call from local resident Jennifer Ray to support the annual Wreaths Across America initiative on Dec. 13, beginning with a noontime ceremony honoring veterans at Eatonton’s Wall of Honor Park, followed by volunteers placing a wreath on each of their gravesites in local cemeteries.
Other business included the appointment of John L. Richter to the Board of Assessors and approval of the 2026 regular meeting schedule.
The Putnam County Commission meets this Friday again at 10 a.m. at 117 Putnam Dr., Ste. A, in Eatonton.