The petition for Buckhalter Road (PIN 10948 01001), owned by Rockingham Farms, LLC, is to zone approximately 20 acres from M (Manufacturing) to M-CO (Manufacturing-CO). The M zoning district creates and protects areas in which non-nuisance producing manufacturing activities and non-manufacturing uses closely related to such activities will be permitted. The zoning request will support the annexation of the subject property from unincorporated Chatham County into the City limits for the purpose of developing Rockingham Farms as a light industrial complex which is permitted under the M zoning classification.

On May 28, 2020, City Council approved a development agreement as a Public-Private Partnership (P3) between Rockingham Farms, Savannah Economic Development Authority and the City that establishes an interchange and extended water/sewer to Rockingham Farms. Additional benefits to the City include employment opportunities and job training programs specifically for City residents as well as additional revenue for the City.

In addition, on June 25, 2020, approximately 1036 acres of 343 Buckhalter Road #A (PIN 20943 01001) was annexed to the City and zoned from the Chatham County’s existing M (Manufacturing) and P-M (Planned Manufacturing) Zoning Districts to the City’s M-CO (Manufacturing – County) Zoning District (19-006681-ZA).

On September 1, 2020, the Planning Commission approved with conditions a final plat for the subdivision of PINs 20943 01001 and 20943 01002 (20-001961-SUPB). This action created seven parcels and a public road right-of-way to accommodate a proposed industrial development. The development review process for each of these parcels must be approved by the City and MPC.

Public notification for the zoning request included sending letters to property owners within 300 feet of the subject property as well as the 46 property owners impacted by the previous zoning action (19-006681-ZA). Public notices were also placed in the Savannah Morning News on August 9, 2021 and signs posted on the parcel advertising the zoning hearing.

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