The first step in the development of a huge tract of land on the west side of Hampton was taken at the December 8 regular meeting of the Hampton City Council.
After a public hearing, the council voted to approve the first reading of a proposed rezoning from RA (residential agricultural) to MU (mixed use) of 546 acres west of the intersection of Hwy. 20 and Lower Woolsey Road. The reason for the request is to allow multi-family residential, commercial and light industrial uses.
The tract is part of what has been called the Speedway Megasite, which includes nearly 2,000 acres that were annexed into the city more than a year ago. The site under consideration will have to be reviewed by the Atlanta Regional Commission as a development of regional impact before it can receive final rezoning approval from the city.
In other business, a new skate park was approved for installation in Bobby McBrayer Park. The council approved a $130,000 bid from American Ramp Company, based in Joplin, Mo., for construction of the facility.
The council adopted an ordinance indicating that the city will employ and/or contract with a local fire marshal to enforce state minimum fire safety standards.
Four zoning ordinances received final approval by unanimous vote. The council voted to approve second readings of ordinances amending sections for parking requirements, use provisions, mixed use districts, and definitions of multi-family dwellings such as quadruplex, triplex, and townhouse.
The council also approved the renewal of a dozen alcoholic beverages licenses as well as the appointment of former mayor and council member Chris Moore to the city’s ethics committee for a term ending December 31, 2023.
An agreement between the city and Central Georgia EMC was approved regarding a swap of service territory for North Hampton Crossing subdivision. The deal is contingent upon a third-party agreement being provided to the council. According to a city staff report, the new arrangement would allow Central Georgia EMC to service the development in its entirety and prevent duplication of service.
The sale of city property at 32 Barnett Street, added to the agenda at the start of the meeting, was also approved.
