Commission denies rezoning for daycare at 2933 Deansbridge Road after neighbors raise safety, permitting concerns

The Augusta-Richmond County Commission voted 8–2 on July 21 to deny a rezoning that would have allowed a neighborhood daycare at 2933 Deansbridge Road.

Neighbors including Keith Wells told commissioners the parcel’s steep driveway, limited queuing space and sight-line issues would create hazardous traffic conditions for parents dropping off or picking up children. “This driveway comes down very steep… there’s no way with the distance that they have for the drive,” Wells said, describing long queues and poor sight distance near a high-speed segment of Deansbridge Road.

Director Cameron told the commission building work and an addition had been constructed without required permits, and that while traffic reviewers had not required a right-turn lane, the petition would still be subject to development standards if rezoned. Commissioners expressed frustration that the applicant had completed work prior to full permitting and that the case arrived at the commission with outstanding compliance questions. Commissioner Brandon Garrett moved to deny the petition; the motion carried 8–2 with Commissioners Pulium and Wimbley voting no.