Warner Robins approves rezoning for homes, small commercial site on Lake Joy Road

The plan includes 43 single-family homes, limited commercial space, and road and safety improvements.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Warner Robins city council approved a rezoning request this month for 16.3 acres along Lake Joy Road near Duskmoore Drive as part of the city’s comprehensive plan.

City Administrator James Drinkard says the rezoning aligns with long-term planning goals and addresses concerns raised by residents and county officials.

“Addressing concerns raised by the county and by residents,” he said. “So, what we finally were presented was something that had come a long way from the original and was more aligned with all of that, but it was very consistent with our comprehensive plan, which opened the door to approval.”

According to Drinkard, 13.9 acres of the property will be zoned residential, with the remaining land designated for a small commercial tract fronting Lake Joy Road.

“There are 43 single family homes that will be a part of this,” he said. “The commercial node has not been defined as to exactly what it will be; it will most likely be one or two smaller commercial buildings, with what we refer to as neighborhood commercial; and that tends to be things like restaurants, coffee shops, cleaners, barbershops things of that nature.”

He adds the project will include improvements to nearby roads and infrastructure.

“So, Duskmoore Drive will be itself will see a number of improvements that range from a dedicated right and left turn lane,” he said. “There is not through lane at Duskmoore. So, you’ll have a dedicated right lane added to improve delays as people are trying to access the roadway. There will be curb gutter added, which will improve storm water management. Then there will be sidewalks and pedestrian streetlights added to Duskmoore drive as well.”

Drinkard says the changes are needed due to continued growth in the area.

“First off because of the improvements that are being made, especially with respect to that new traffic signal, but also because 43 homes is not a significant increase in the course of the day,” he said. “So, I can’t say that it will be easier for people to necessarily make a left turn off of Duskmoore Drive, at peak hours but overall, it will be safer.”

The timeline for construction has not yet been determined.