A proposed rezoning for a mixed-use development at the intersection of Hardin Bridge Road and Highway 411 will go before Bartow County Commissioner Steve Taylor with a recommendation for denial.
The Bartow County Planning Commission had a tie vote with a 3-3 on a project Artisan Kingston Crossing LLC in its meeting Monday night. Under commission rules, a tie vote becomes a denial recommendation to the commissioner, who has the final say. The commissioner’s meeting is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Those voting against the rezoning from agricultural to PUD (planned urban development) were Vicky Tate, Boyd Morris, and David Lanham. Those voting in approval were Richard Fox, David Livesey, and new board member Matt Laughridge.
Laughridge, who is replacing L. Vermass. Board member Greg Bowen was absent.
David Branch, representing Artisan Kingston Crossing LLC, told the board the development would include one, two, and three-bedroom apartments alongside commercial ventures like restaurants, medical offices, and perhaps a Primrose school. He said the location is 300 feet from the Hyundai SK EV battery plant and is near to a Shaw plant.
“It would support the overall county but it will also support the Hyundai EV plant,” Branch said.
Engineer Michael Brooks said the plan includes 284 apartments, a pool, a dog park, and a clubhouse. He said the project fits well in the area because other ventures, including RaceTrac and QuikTrip were recently established.
Board members questioned the type of businesses that would go into the development, the number of many children would be placed into the Bartow County School system, and whether it would serve everyone or primarily those employed at Hyundai.
In other business:
The board approved a land map change and rezoning from low-density residential to industrial for property at 728 Cassville Road. Plans are for a warehouse.
The board approved a land use map change and rezoning from rural estate commercial for property at Highway 140 and Oak Grove Road with a condition of no liquor sales. The plan is for a convenience store
The board a rezoning from agricultural to high-density residential for property at 255 Old Highway 41. The same family owns the property but needed the rezoning to accommodate its use since a mobile home sits on part of it. The change allows the owner to refinance the mortgage.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S, Canada, the UK and Germany. She is a former news director of Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF Radio. She is on Facebook, X, YouTube, content on Substack, and has a podcast on Rumble.