South Fulton Alcohol License and Zoning Public Hearings Meeting - March 24, 2026

The City of South Fulton held an Alcohol License and Zoning Public Hearing on March 24, 2026, at City Hall. The primary agenda item was a public hearing for Z26-008, a proposed rezoning of approximately 191.20 acres from AG-1 (Agricultural) to M-1 (Light Industrial) to develop 1.54 million square feet of warehouse space. The meeting also included proclamations honoring the Camp Creek Middle School Girls Basketball Team and former Councilmember Helen Z. Willis. No executive session was held.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Henry Bailey, representative for the applicant, presented in favor of the rezoning. He stated that the project would bring $230 million in capital investment, create 1,000 to 2,000 jobs (with 1,000 from a proposed cold storage food user), generate $3.4 million in annual net tax revenue, and include significant traffic and environmental improvements. He argued the project aligns with the future land use map and market demand. (Note: The agenda cited 1.54 million sq ft; Bailey cited 1.6 million sq ft due to a tenant.)
• Deena Lofton Muhammad (District 2) opposed, expressing frustration with the city's approval of warehouses and gas stations over entertainment and retail amenities. She cited environmental concerns from tree loss.
• Glenda Collins (District 5) opposed, stating the city is becoming "inundated with warehouses" and questioned the growth direction.
• Michael Venable opposed, describing the situation as "pay-to-play" and urging denial.
• Lee Walton (Fairburn) noted surprise at the speed of the appeal after a prior denial in October 2024 and pointed to discrepancies between the March 10th agenda and the current presentation.
• Alvin Reynolds (District 7) opposed, arguing the warehouse does not fit the area and calling on the council to uphold its October 2024 denial.

Discussion Items

The public hearing focused on Z26-008, a rezoning of 191.20 acres at multiple parcels along Spence Road, Old Senoia Road, Irwin Road, and Fayetteville Road. The applicant's representative, Henry Bailey, detailed the project: three buildings totaling approximately 1.6 million square feet, $230 million capital investment, 1,000-2,000 jobs, $3.4 million annual net tax revenue, and environmental mitigation (15% reduction in building footprint). He highlighted vegetative buffers (up to 322 yards) and traffic improvements, including the ongoing $81.1 million GDOT project at I-85 and Spence Road. He responded to a citizen petition, denying claims of tax incentive harm and empty warehouses.

Opponents countered that the project would bring environmental harm, traffic congestion, and is inconsistent with the comprehensive land use plan. They noted the council had denied the same rezoning in October 2024 and that a lawsuit had been filed by the applicant. They urged the council to stand by its previous decision.

Proclamation Presentations

• Camp Creek Middle School Girls Basketball Team: The council recessed for 15 minutes (6:35-6:46 PM) to allow the team to arrive. Mayor Gumbs and council members presented a proclamation honoring the team's championship.
• Former Councilmember Helen Z. Willis: The proclamation was presented earlier during the Work Session meeting.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing for Z26-008 was held; no vote was taken as this was a "For Presentation and Public Hearing Only" agenda item. The council is expected to vote on the rezoning at a future meeting.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:53 PM.