Residents of the neighborhood that surround the property attended the public hearing and many of them spoke against the proposed development.

TIFTON — Tift County will get a new apartment complex despite opposition from its neighbors.

In a five to one vote, the Tift County Commission approved a request Monday to rezone approximately six acres of property on Rainwater Road for a proposed apartment complex.

Timberstone Investments submitted the request as a precursor to a proposed 77-unit development of both small single-family units and multi-family apartment buildings.

At the public hearing for the rezoning request, Chris Brooks, who is the current property owner and is working on the proposed development, said he has been meeting with engineers, land planners and environmentalists about his plans for the property and feels confident his proposal would work in the space.

“I wouldn’t be here tonight if I wasn’t sure that this property would work for what I’m proposing to do,” he said.

Residents of the neighborhood that surround the property attended the public hearing and many of them spoke against the proposed development. They presented a petition opposing the rezoning signed by 149 residents of the area.

Eleven individuals voiced concerns about rezoning. Concerns included increased traffic problems on Rainwater Road due to a rise in the population density; over-stressing stormwater containment infrastructure that is already operating at maximum capacity; increased traffic creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists; destroying habitat for wildlife; decreasing property values; increased crime, noise pollution and litter; not being able to utilize the space for community improvement projects such as a community garden, bike path or park; more pavement leading to more issues with flooding; a negative impact on the feel of the neighborhood and quality of life for those living there.

Several residents said they were interested in purchasing all or part of the property from the developer so they could preserve the green space and put in community resources, such as a park.

Commissioner Greg Wood represents the district where the property is located. He said he appreciated residents sharing thoughts and concerns, but even with the current zoning, the property owner could come in, put a house there and bulldoze the green space on the property anyway.

He suggested residents speak to the owner about acquiring the property if they didn’t approve of what was being planned for it.

Wood, along with Commissioners Stan Stalnaker, Donnie Hester, Paul Webb and Chairman Grady Thompson voted for rezoning, with Commissioner Melissa Hughes opposed. Commissioner Buck Rigdon was not able to attend the meeting.

The commission also approved a request to rezone 5.5 acres on Whiddon Mill Road that would allow the owner to split the parcel and put another home on the newly created parcel.

A request to de-annex the Budget Car Sales property on Highway 82, was put before the board. County Manager Jim Carter said while the county cannot approve de-annexation, it can approve a resolution accepting the property into the county if the city approves the property owner’s request.

Carter said the request must go to Tifton City Council for approval but if council approves the request, the resolution satisfies the legalities to allow the county to absorb the property.

The county approved several other items on the agenda, including:

• Execution of ACCG-IRMA and ACCG-GSIWCF safety discount verification forms for the Tift County Recreation Department.

• Renewing the copier machine lease with AMJ Leasing for $13,512.

• Utilizing Flint Riner Consulting for completion of the Tift County Hazard Mitigation Plan for $36,000.

• Renewing the contract with Motorola for the E-911 phone system software maintenance for $22,124.80.

• Leasing four pieces of heavy equipment, three graders and one excavator, for public works.

• Renewing the building lease with the Department of Juvenile Justice for $23,250.

• Renewing the building lease with the Department of Driver Services for $1.

• Two alcohol beverage license applications, one for the Dixie Food Store, 2330 Old Ocilla Road, and one for the Dixie Food Store, 5070 Highway 125 N.

• Adopting a drug and alcohol testing policy for Tift Lift drivers.

• Appointing Audrey Conner to the Tift County Board of Family and Children Services.