Some Montclair residents are afraid their quality of life will suffer if Richmond County approves a zoning change that would allow Jim Hudson Lexus to relocate closer to their neighborhood on Washington Road.
However, not everyone in Montclair agrees with the homeowners association, and some even welcome the car dealerships relocation near the neighborhood.
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The rezoning request was made by Martinez Properties, LLC, that would change the zoning of 3140 Washington Rd. and 107 Warren Rd. from one-family residential to general business. The zoning change would cover 4.47 acres.
Martinez Properties, LLC, wants the zoning changed so it can sell the land to Jim Hudson Lexus for development.
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According to a flier sent out to residents of the subdivision, “(T)he reason is simple. Established neighborhoods such as Montclair and car dealerships do not make a good zoning mix – it is like mixing oil and water.”
Montclair resident Trey Keenan has heard what representatives with Jim Hudson Lexus have had to say about the project and sees them as trying to be good neighbors.
“Jim Hudson is going out of the way to try to do things right,” said Keenan, who lives on Gardners Miller Road.
The zoning petition, which has been approved by the city planning department, calls for the dealership to install lights that are pointed away from the residential homes. The dealership has also agreed to build a privacy fence and only allow dumpsters on the property to be emptied during specified hours to avoid bothering residents with noise.
Keenan said he’s heard rumors that there’s a vacant house on that property and squatted in by homeless people. He said a car dealership would be a safe type of business to have nearby.
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Keenan also noted that another Washington Road car dealership backs up to the Montclair pool, and it’s not noticeable. He anticipates Jim Hudson being the same.
He also said that the original site plan had included an entrance at Kings Chapel and Washington Roads. When the neighborhood expressed concern with that, the dealership changed its plans.
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However, District 10 Commissioner John Clarke says he is leaning towards voting no on the measure because he has heard from many residents who are against the relocation. No one who supports the measure has contacted him.
“All growth is not necessarily good growth, it may be good for business but not for residents nearby. I always err on the side of the residents,” Clarke said.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com. Features Editor Charmain Brackett contributed to the story.
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