TIFTON — With the future property owner going above and beyond to meet the requirements for his requested rezoning, Tifton City Council approved the rezoning request for the King Road application during the Jan. 18 meeting.

Discussed at two back-to-back called sessions Jan. 10 and 11, the proposed application rezones 39.66 acres of land on King Road, changing its designation from residential to general business.

The property was planned for sale, with the rezoning granting more versatility to the new property owner. However, many Tifton residents living near the area voiced concerns toward the change, some believing the specified rezoning was too broad of a designation and would allow for less favorable businesses to encroach upon the area or lessen the property value.

At the Jan. 18 meeting, council was informed the future owner of the property had agreed to alter his initial plans for the property to fit within the city guidelines and somewhat satisfy neighboring residents.

The revised plans for the property would create a 30-foot buffer on the north side of the property, 20 feet more than the required amount, and a 10-foot buffer on the west side, which under city guidelines did not require a buffer.

Seventy percent of the pecan trees, which the property has in abundance, would be cleared, and the property owner has ensured there is not an exit or entrance on the property that exists or will exist in what is currently designated as a residential zone.

City Manager Pete Pyrzenski recommended City Council approve the request with these changes in mind, stating he believed it was a fair compromise for all involved parties and would assist in protecting the nearby neighborhood.

Taking this into consideration, City Council approved the application 4 to 1.