Council approves Georgia Southern Foundation rezoning for mixed‑use project near Tilman Road

The Statesboro Mayor and City Council on June 16 approved a zoning map amendment requested by the Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc., to rezone about 13.505 acres on the south side of Tilman (Chilman) Road from exempt to the city's MX (mixed‑use) district.

Planning Director Justin Wade told council the site is in the university district and will be developed in phases; the staff report recommends approval but places conditions on the rezoning. "A traffic study must be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit," Wade said, and he noted setback and phasing details that will be resolved during site plan review.

Steve Russell, an attorney representing the foundation, described the phase‑one concept as a boutique hotel and conference center anchored by a central plaza, brewery and retail; later phases would include student housing, office space and shared parking decks. "We would ask that you grant our application for an MX zone and allow us to proceed with our project," Russell said. He told council the foundation has deeded the property (about 13.5 acres) to the foundation from the Board of Regents and that there are no jurisdictional wetlands on site, but that floodplains along Eagle Creek will be addressed in the design.

Council discussion focused on traffic and broader master planning for the corridor; one member asked whether the city was "ready for this" given congestion on Tilman Road. Staff and the applicant acknowledged traffic impacts and the need to complete the required traffic impact analysis before permits are issued. The rezoning motion carried with staff conditions; the council opened the public hearing, received no opposition, and voted to approve the application.

Next steps include completion and approval of the traffic study, final site plan and building permit reviews. The approval is a zoning change only and does not authorize construction, officials stressed.