The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 this week to deny a request by JFP Properties Group to rezone from general commercial to high-density residential 0.96 of an acre at 2813 Cleveland Highway.
Board Chairman Jevin Jensen typically votes only when there is a tie.
The Dalton-Varnell-Whitfield County Planning Commission at its July meeting recommended approving the rezoning but only on the condition that the access road could meet county requirements for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.
Interim Whitfield County Fire Chief Nathan Callaway told the county commissioners after inspecting the property that “it would be difficult for us to access that area.” In particular, he said the cul-de-sac at the end of the road is not wide enough for fire trucks to turn around.
The owner had planned to build three duplexes at the site.
The commissioners voted 4-0 to approve:
— A request by Gerald and Donna Clark to rezone from rural residential to general agriculture 13.47 acres on Reed Road for an event center.
— A request by Jesse W. Kell to rezone from general agriculture to rural residential 1.25 acres at 1086 Lowe Road in Cohutta. The owner wishes to sell part of the property to a family member.
— A request by Charles K. Trew to rezone from general commercial to low-density, single-family residential 1.02 acres at 1275 Dawnville Road N.E. The rezoning brings the single-family home that is on the site into conformity with the zoning.
The commissioners voted 4-0 to:
— Accept $1.5 million in state local maintenance and improvement grant money. The money will be used to help the county reach its goal of repaving at least 30 miles of road this year.
— Approve a $299,000 contract with Gresham Smith of Nashville, Tennessee, to develop a long-range transportation plan for the Greater Dalton metropolitan area. The Georgia Department of Transportation will pay 80% of the cost of the contract.