American Aero seeks approval for light manufacturing facility on US Highway 80 East

The Bulloch County Planning & Zoning Commission convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a primary focus on a conditional use application submitted by American Aero Real Estate LLC. The meeting, held at 5:30 PM, featured discussions surrounding the proposed establishment of a light manufacturing facility located on US Highway 80 East.

The application was presented by Chris Gohagen, an attorney representing American Aero, who emphasized the significance of the project. He noted that American Aero, which manufactures interior components for private aircraft, has experienced substantial growth since its founding in 2018, expanding from four employees to 90. The new facility, if approved, is expected to increase employment capacity to 200, with a majority of positions filled by residents of Bulloch County.

The property in question, previously occupied by WK Jones Lumber, is currently zoned for light industrial use and spans 15.24 acres. Gohagen highlighted that the site has historically been used for industrial purposes, which were often noisier and dustier than the operations planned by American Aero. He assured the commission that the new facility would include significant vegetative buffers to minimize impact on surrounding areas, including agricultural land and a small residential community to the north.

The commission received a recommendation for approval from staff, who noted the compatibility of the proposed use with the surrounding zoning and land use. The meeting concluded with a favorable outlook on the application, reflecting the commission's support for local economic development initiatives.

Overall, the discussions underscored the potential benefits of the project for the local economy, as well as the careful consideration of community impacts, setting the stage for further deliberation and decision-making in upcoming meetings.