Council rezones Veterans Memorial Highway property to industrial to match existing truck terminal use

The Villarrica council voted Sept. 9 to rezone a property at 15051 Veterans Memorial Highway from C-1 (commercial low density) to I-2 (industrial medium density) so its zoning reflects its long-standing use as a truck freight terminal.
Planning staff presented the request from East West Express, represented by company principal Richard Kengemie, and recommended approval with two stipulations: the site be limited to a truck freight terminal (other industrial uses would require a future amendment to the city’s future land-use map) and the applicant comply with all building, fire-life-safety and zoning requirements.
Planning staff noted the parcel is in an industrial corridor between Interstate 20 and Veterans Memorial Highway, separated from lower-intensity uses by a railroad, and that surrounding parcels are largely industrial in character. Staff also reported the Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval.
Applicant Richard Kengemie told council he bought the property about a decade ago and believed it to be industrial; he said his operation has been in place for three years and he wants the zoning to reflect current use so he can pursue typical property actions such as refinancing or permitting. Kengemie confirmed to staff and council that he agreed to the proposed conditions.
Council approved the rezoning subject to the two staff conditions. No development changes to the operation were proposed at the meeting.