MACON, Ga. (WGXA) — Residents of Hall Road in North Macon are voicing concerns over a recent decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission to rezone property near their homes for a used car auction lot. The decision has sparked fears of deforestation and potential negative environmental impacts in their residential area.

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Asha Ellen, a resident, expressed frustration, saying, “They went against the very plan they were a part of creating.” Ellen, along with others like Harry James Taylor Sr., are worried about the implications of rezoning the property from R-3 to C-2 between Hall Road and Riverside Drive for an auto auction dealership. An additional property located at 4440 Riverside Dr., was also rezoned from R-3 to C-2 for the same project.

“Once you put one thing there, and it’s zoned C-2, then other things can come along. I think that’s the whole thought in the developer’s mind,” said Taylor.

Despite the Planning and Zoning staff’s recommendation to deny the rezoning of 1425 Hall Road, citing inconsistency with the 2050 Future Land Use Plan, the board voted 4-1 to approve the request on August 25.

“I just think it’s just something some developer decided to do,” said Taylor.

The decision has raised questions about future developments encroaching into residential areas and the potential environmental impact of a used car auction. Peg Jones, with Save Our Rivers Inc., has been working for over three decades to protect watersheds and floodplains, including the area along Langford Creek that feeds into the Ocmulgee River.

“We’re just trying to preserve this area because once it’s gone, it’s gone.” Jones said. “Once you hear floodplain, it’s serious stuff. Once you affect a floodplain, you can never get it back.”

Taylor noted that erosion from other developments is already evident, and the prospect of over 30 acres being clear-cut for another development raises concerns about runoff eroding nearby areas.

“The developer mentioned other commercial businesses being able to come,” Ellen added.

Stay with WGXA News on this developing story.