Mullins family to request rezoning

Property owners of land once planned for a major commercial development in Evans now want it rezoned for houses.

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At Thursday's Columbia County Planning Commission meeting, landowners JoAnn and Joe Mullins are expected to ask to rezone the property, once intended to become the second phase of Mullins Crossing, from general commercial to single-family residential, according to a meeting agenda.

The item initially was to be discussed at the planning and zoning board's June 3 meeting, but it was tabled at the applicants' request.

"They said that they needed some time to get other information together," said county Planning Manager Nayna Mistry.

The 22-acre lot, which was zoned general commercial in 2006, houses a residence and also is used for a business. The proposed shopping center at 4263 Washington Road was put on hold nearly two years ago.

"I think the original plan was to have Hobby Lobby there, and then that changed when they (Hobby Lobby) moved to the Richmond County location," Mistry said. "I understand from the applicant that the property has been up for sale, but hasn't had a buyer."

Messages left last week for Joe Mullins and developer Frank Mullins were not returned.

The Mullinses are seeking a residential zoning to get a reduction in property taxes, Mistry said.

The county's planning staff is recommending disapproval because the requested zoning would create an inconsistency with surrounding commercial properties and contradict the county's growth management plan, Mistry said.

Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium of the Evans Government Center on Ronald Reagan Drive.