Plans to build storage mini-warehouses near townhomes on Flat Shoals Road will have one more opportunity for approval by the city council next month.

Last month, council members postponed approving a zoning variance request to change the vacant 4.33 acres near the intersection of Hwy 138 from its current residential designation to special mixed-use activity center designation.
The Conyers planning commission recommended denial of the zoning change in October due to the applicant's failure to meet several zoning requirements. However, the project does have support from residents of the Hunting Creek townhome subdivision adjacent to the proposed mini-warehouse site. The site is currently overgrown and is used as a dumping site, according to the residents.

"They use it like a dumping ground now. I think with the building be there people would be apt not to dump or be disrespectful to the property and the property owners,” Debbie Dollar, a 20-year homeowner in the subdivision, told the Conyers Community Development Committee Wednesday. The group had met with the Augusta builder and an engineer overseeing the project to discuss changes needed to the plan before the city council considers it for a final time in December.

City Planning Director Marvin Flannigan said the proposal for the zoning change needs to be less conceptual and more specific before it goes before the council. In order for the zoning change to be granted, the design must meet the requirements of the gateway Village District, which includes stone and hardy board plank finishes on the perimeter building. 

"It won't have any appearance of a storage facility,” builder David Miles said Wednesday. “I'll be honest with you, ya'll are pushing me to the absolute creativity for mini-warehouses I’ve ever seen. I love being creative with whatever I build, and this is this is no more than a challenge for me, but I've also got to make it (the buildings) where it is feasible."