CLAYTON COUNTY

Zoning Advisory Group

JOHNNY CRAWFORD/AJC (ENLARGE)
NEIGHBORHOOD WARRIOR • Name: Ernest Powell • Age: 67 • When he is not fighting developers he's: 'Retired. I don't do anything.' • He took on: Cameron Development and Blackhawk Development. The companies wanted to build homes in Clayton's panhandle area near the Henry County line. Cameron wanted to build 345 homes, Blackhawk 322. 'The first one was Cameron. They put up their signs. We really didn't have a spokesperson. We had a lawyer that used to represent us, and she moved to California. So when the petition came before the Clayton Board of Commissioners, somebody had to speak up, and I did. So, every time something comes up now, they want me to represent our community. 'When this came up we had a potluck dinner and discussed it all and decided who would speak when we got before the board. You only got a couple of minutes.' • Tip: 'Make sure you designate several people and each has a segment to give opposition to a zoning [issue]. And don't let everybody get up and take up your time. Just make sure you're prepared with facts.'
JOHNNY CRAWFORD/AJC/AJC STAFF (ENLARGE)
NEIGHBORHOOD WARRIOR • Name: Penny Adams • Age: 43 • When she's not fighting developers: She's working as a legal assistant, caring for her daughter, 13-year-old Elyse, and working with her husband to carve out time to attend city planning meetings. • She took on: The McDonough City Council and developers interested in building a subdivision along Parker Road. • How she did it: 'We don't have the deep pockets of developers, so we realized we needed the support of our neighbors and began to organize. The biggest obstacle we had was indifference from the council. But they realized these folks have something here. I think since NOPE [Neighbors Opposed to Parker Road Development] came into existence, there has been some effort to improve the process and procedures of rezoning. They realize the eyes of the public are upon them.' • Her tip: 'No one can complain unless they participate in the process. If they don't, they allow it to happen.'
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR
Special report • Articles, columns and editorials on open records laws.

The Clayton County Zoning Advisory Group is the first group to hear the county's zoning applications and issues. The group's nonbinding recommendations are forwarded to the County Commission. The Zoning Advisory Group has seven members who serve three-year terms: Walter L. Stanley, 770-473-1816; Wilbser J. Roberts, 770-478-4608; Herman Turner, 770-997-3393; Mary Louise Byrd, 678-817-9845; Danny Lundstrom, 770-477-9630; Doris Van Hoozer, 404-366-5972; Dewey L. "Buck" Shirley, 770-961-2154.

Meetings

The Zoning Advisory Group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the commission chambers of the Clayton County Administration Building, 112 Smith St., in Jonesboro.

Agendas

Matters coming before the Zoning Advisory Group are put on the agenda two weeks before each meeting. Zoning meeting agendas and results are posted on the Clayton County Government Web site, www.co.clayton.ga.us.

If you'd like to

comment

People wanting to comment on a particular action are asked to fill out a sign-in sheet just before the meeting. Those speaking in favor of an application get 10 minutes to talk immediately after a petitioner makes a presentation to the group. Those in opposition will follow and also have a 10-minute time limit to speak. The petitioner has the option of final rebuttal.

At the Planning and Zoning Department

Zoning applications can be viewed at the Planning and Zoning Division of the Clayton County Department of Community Development offices, 121 S. McDonough St., Jonesboro. Copies can be made for 25 cents per page.

FOREST PARK

Planning and

Zoning Board

The Forest Park Planning and Zoning Board hears zoning issues in the city and makes recommendations to the mayor and City Council. It is made up of five members who serve four-year terms: Chairwoman Agnes Martin, 404-366-7583; Vice Chairman Darnell Moorer, 404-608-0803; David Rasmir, 404-608-8009; Mary Y. Parker, 404-366-3547; Glenn L. Mathis, 404-366-2189.

Meetings

The board meets only when it has petitions to discuss. When it does, two weeks advance notice is given for meetings that are held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the City Council chambers of City Hall, 745 Forest Parkway.

Agendas

Two weeks before meetings, agendas are available at the city's Planning and Zoning Department, 785 Forest Parkway.

If you'd like to

comment

Persons for or against a zoning issue can speak during a time prescribed by the agenda. They must fill out a sign-in sheet before the meeting. Comment is determined by the board, depending on the number of people who wish to speak. Each side has 10 minutes. Written comments can be submitted anytime before the end of the hearing or can be sent — before the meeting — to the Planning and Zoning Department, 785 Forest Parkway.

On the Web

Forest Park doesn't keep zoning applications or meeting agendas on the Web.

At the Planning and Zoning Department

By visiting the Planning and Zoning Department at 785 Forest Parkway, you can view zoning applications. To do so, you need the exact address of the land in question and 25 cents per page for copying.

RIVERDALE

Planning Commission

Riverdale's Planning Commission hears rezoning and conditional use requests and then makes recommendations to the Riverdale City Council. The Planning Commission also reviews zoning text amendments and ordinances for the mayor and council. The commission has five members who serve staggered, five-year terms: Chairwoman Carolyn Spainhour, 409 Briar Chase Court, 770-996-6680; Vice Chairwoman Cynthia Sims, 6296 Walker Road, 770-907-4483; Jewell Lewis, 6995 Chimney Ridge Drive, 770-991-1490; Milton Burdette, 1157 Golden Meadow Drive, 770-996-6565; Grover Nix, 6473 Church St., 770-997-7554.

Meetings

Riverdale's Planning Commission meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 6690 Church St.

Agendas

Riverdale's Community Development Department creates the agenda based on the zoning cases or other business forthcoming. The deadline for applications is always the 15th of the month preceding the next month's meeting. For example, Feb. 15 would have been the deadline for the March 21 meeting; March 15 is the deadline for the April 18 meeting, and so on.

If you'd like to

comment

Generally, anyone can request a place on the agenda or just show up at the meeting. The chairwoman decides if they are allowed to speak. Planning Commission meetings are fairly informal. A sign-in sheet is provided before the meeting.

On the Web

Riverdale's current Web site, www.cityofriverdale.com, doesn't include information on the Planning Commission or planning and zoning matters. But the city is creating a new site that may include that information.

At the Community

Development

Department

Zoning applications can be viewed here. The address is 971 Wilson Road.

MORROW

The city has a Planning and Zoning Board consisting of five members. They make preliminary decisions on zoning and planning issues and then make recommendations to the Morrow City Council. The Planning and Zoning Board meets the third Tuesday of each month, but only if there are agenda items to be discussed. Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1500 Morrow Road. The Morrow City Council makes final zoning and planning decisions at its meetings, held at City Hall, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Work sessions begin at 7 p.m., regular meetings at 7:30 p.m. Agendas are available at City Hall.

JONESBORO

Jonesboro City Council acts as the city's planning and zoning board. Applicants have 60 days to file paperwork for their issue to be considered. The City Council meets the second Monday of each month at City Hall, 102 McDonough St. Work sessions start at 6 p.m., regular meetings at 7 p.m. Meeting agendas are available at City Hall.

LAKE CITY

Lake City City Council acts as the city's planning and zoning board. Those wishing to bring a matter to council members' attention should contact the city manager. The council meets in City Hall at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month and at 9 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. City Hall is at 5455 Jonesboro Road. Agendas are available in advance at City Hall.

LOVEJOY

Lovejoy City Council acts as the city's planning and zoning board. Those wishing to bring a matter to council members' attention should contact the city manager. The council meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall, 2601 Steele Road. Agendas are available in advance at City Hall.

HENRY COUNTY

The commission

The Henry County Municipal Planning Commission acts as the county's zoning board and makes recommendations to the County Commission in unincorporated parts of the county. It has seven members: Chairman Scott McCarter, 678-794-3210, sdmccarter@charter.net; Vice Chairman Michael Eddy, 770-389-4809, meddy@henry.k12.ga.us; Parliamentarian Dawn Davis, 770-389-3831, djd2243@aol.com; Otis Hammock, 770-957-9983, otishamm@bellsouth.net; Ray McDonald, 770-474-8654; Bruce Register, 770-954-1984 or 678-432-1983, targetmarketing@charter.net; Pamela White, 770-898-3719, pjwhite@joimail.com.

Meetings

The Henry County Municipal Planning Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in the Community Room at the Henry County Administration Building, 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough.

Agendas

Matters coming before the commissioners are placed on the county's agenda, typically two weeks beforehand. To view an agenda, visit the county's Web site at www.co.henry.ga.us.

If you'd like to

comment

There is a sign-up sheet in the atrium and at the podium of the County Commission community room. Citizens are asked to sign their names and provide contact information beforehand.

On the Web

In addition to keeping a copy of the upcoming agenda on the Web site (www.co.henry.ga.us), the site allows citizens to download rezoning applications and minutes of past meetings.

At the County Administration Building

By visiting, you can view zoning applications. The county charges 25 cents per page for copying fees.

McDONOUGH

The commission

McDonough has a planning and zoning commission that makes recommendations to the City Council. It has five members: Brian Arnold, 678-432-6892; Bill Fort, 678-432-3012; Stanley Head, 770-954-0241; A.J. Upchurch, 770-957-3992;

Jeff Wilder, 770-954-9479.

Meetings

Commissioners discuss zoning matters on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 88 Keys Ferry St., McDonough.

Agendas

Matters coming before the commissioners must be posted at least 24 hours before the meeting begins. The agenda is posted at the front and rear entrances of City Hall.

If you'd like to

comment

You are asked to sign your name to a list before the meeting begins. The commission has a portion of the meeting set aside for public comments.

On the Web

The city does not have zoning applications on its Web site.

At City Hall

By visiting the Community Development Department, 88 Keys Ferry St., you can view zoning applications. You must fill out a form detailing the application you're interested in. The city charges 25 cents per page for copying fees.

STOCKBRIDGE

The commission

Stockbridge has a representative on the Henry County Municipal Planning Commission, The county board makes recommendations on city zoning matters, which must be approved by the City Council. The Henry board has seven members: Chairman Scott McCarter, 678-794-3210, sdmccarter@charter.net; Vice Chairman Michael Eddy, 770-389-4809, meddy@henry.k12.ga.us; Parliamentarian Dawn Davis, 770-389-3831, djd2243@aol.com; Otis Hammock, 770-957-9983, otishamm@bellsouth.net; Ray McDonald, 770-474-8654; Bruce Register, 770-954-1984 or 678-432-1983, targetmarketing@charter.net; Pamela White, 770-898-3719, pjwhite@joimail.com.

Meetings

The Henry County Municipal Planning Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in the Community Room at the Henry County Administration Building, 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough.

Agendas

Matters before the commissioners are placed on the county's agenda, typically two weeks beforehand. To view an agenda, visit the county's Web site at www.co.henry.ga.us.

If you'd like to

comment

There is a sign-up sheet in the atrium and at a podium in the County Commission community room. Citizens are asked to sign their names and list their contact information beforehand.

On the Web

The site — www.co.henry.ga.us. — lets citizens download rezoning applications and minutes of past meetings.

At the County

Administration

Building:

By visiting, you can view zoning applications. The county charges 25 cents per page for copying fees.

HAMPTON:

The city has its Planning and Zoning Board, which meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at City Hall, 17 E. Main St. S. The board makes recommendations to the City Council, which votes on those recommendations. The council meets at 7 p.m. on the first and second Tuesdays of each month at City Hall. Agendas are posted at City Hall.

LOCUST GROVE:

The Locust Grove City Council acts as its planning and zoning commission. It holds public hearings on zoning matters during its workshop meetings, which are typically held at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month. The meetings are at City Hall, 3644 Ga. 42. The council votes on matters at its meeting, held at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month. Agendas can be found at City Hall.