The Henry County Board of Commissioners convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including a significant rezoning proposal and community initiatives. The meeting began with a focus on a new development project, which received mixed feedback from the commissioners.
Commissioner Price expressed support for the development, praising the construction firm for its reputation and the decision to build single-story units, which he believes will enhance safety and reduce density in the area. He emphasized the importance of placing higher density projects near the interstate, aligning with the county's future land use plans, which he clarified were developed through public meetings involving community input.
The discussion also touched on the need for diverse housing options in Henry County. Price highlighted a recent site visit to a rental property in Hampton, noting that many residents were temporary workers, such as airline and military personnel, who prefer renting over homeownership. He argued that renting should not be stigmatized, as it provides essential housing opportunities for various demographics, particularly younger generations who may not seek long-term mortgages.
Following the discussions, Price made a motion to rezone the property from residential agricultural (RA) to residential multifamily (RM) for cottage-style apartments, which was seconded and passed without further debate.
In addition to the rezoning, the meeting included announcements about a community cleanup event scheduled for the upcoming Saturday, with a friendly competition between districts to collect the most trash bags. The chair encouraged residents to participate and volunteer.
The meeting concluded with reminders of upcoming board meetings, including a special call meeting on August 5, and was adjourned shortly thereafter. Overall, the session highlighted the board's commitment to addressing housing needs while fostering community engagement through local initiatives.