Council hears variance request for 57 Bernard Street; planning staff and applicant support reuse

The Statesboro City Council on Feb. 17 opened a public hearing on application 526‑0101, a request to allow a combined educational hair salon and limited retail at 57 Bernard Street, then closed the hearing after hearing from staff and the applicant.

Justin Wiggins, a city staffer, told the council the property is zoned office and business but carries a grandfathered retail use from a former pharmacy. The petition would allow the salon to operate with limited commercial sales while retaining requirements that any building alterations obtain appropriate permits. Wiggins said planning staff recommended approval and that the planning commission had approved the variance 7–0 with conditions.

Applicant Alicia Wade Smith appeared and confirmed Justin’s description of the proposal and offered to answer council questions about operations and use of the building. No members of the public spoke in opposition before the hearing was closed.

Council members asked whether a variance follows the property or the business; Wiggins replied the variance runs with the property unless council adds a condition to remove it later, and he contrasted a variance with rezoning (the latter would allow any uses permitted in the new zoning district). Several councilmembers praised the reuse of the historic former pharmacy building.

The transcript records that the hearing was opened and closed and that staff recommended approval, but it does not record a subsequent motion or roll‑call vote granting the variance. The planning commission vote and staff recommendation are on the record in the meeting.