The creation of new motels and restaurants in Richmond Hill was once again a hot topic at Monday’s Richmond Hill Planning and Zoning meeting.
The areas discussed for future development were the Parker’s Square retail complex on Hwy. 144 and the intersection of Ponderosa Road and Hwy. 17.
The planning board of commissioners approved a height variance and subdivision plat for Savannah developer Shaylesh Patel’s four-story Fairfield Inn at Ponderosa and 17. They also approved rezoning to allow a restaurant to come to Parker’s Square. As with all Planning and Zoning actions, the approvals will now be sent to city council for a final rendering.
Realtor Cathy Gregory appeared on behalf of developer Greg Parker to discuss a restaurant chain that's inquired about coming to Parker’s Square. Although she would not name the chain, Gregory said it would take up the three adjacent remaining vacant retail spaces that are left in Parker’s Square.
She said another restaurant - that would only take up one of the units - has inquired in the as well, so they want to have it zoned in order to be ready.
"That way if someone wanted to open a sandwich shop or bakery or something like that, they’ll just have to get a permit," Gregory said.
She also said she believes there is a need for a new restaurant in that area as the nearest ones would be the barbeque restaurant at Stewart’s Corner and the breakfast and Asian restaurants in the Publix complex.
She assured the commission that, "whatever comes will be high quality. Greg is very particular. He’s turned down a lot of people."
Currently, Parker’s Square consists of a dental office, cell phone store, Dinner A’fare take-out, flooring company and a boutique that has just signed.
Meanwhile, Patel said his forthcoming four-story Fairfield Inn is one of four adjacent businesses planned for his six-acre tract Ponderosa-17 location. He also is planning for a Sleep Inn and two restaurants.
Commissioner Fred Giebrich asked Planning and Zoning Director Steve Scholar if the ladder trucks of the Richmond Hill Fire Department would be able to reach the top of the proposed four-story and he said they will.
Directly across the street on Ponderosa, developer Kenny Patel (no relation) is planning to build two more unnamed hotels and one restaurant. Although a restaurant has not been contracted, Dairy Queen was mentioned.
In other business:
- One and a half acres was approved for development for KOA Campgrounds. Scholar said this is step one in paving the way for additional cabins to likely be added to the site.
- A 30 foot by 40 foot car detailing cover was approved for Royal Oaks Car Wash.