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After a lengthy discussion, the Troup County Commission unanimously approved a rezoning request Tuesday that will green light construction of a travel parking facility off of Interstate 85.

The zoning request was made by Ricky Harp for land on Warner Road that is adjacent to the city limits of West Point and is near Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.

The rezoning changes the parcel of 27.47 acres of land from family medium density to general commercial.

An engineer and developer for the project explained that the facility would be fully gated and would allow for truckers to park for the night — or an extended time — to alleviate them parking tractor-trailers on the interstate or subdivisions. 

The parking business would also have a gated boat and storage area as well. Commissioners were told the facility will be monitored remotely 24 hours, 7 days a week, and a person will be on site every day. According to information discussed at the meeting, truckers will either pay a rate by the day or the month. 

Commissioners clarified that the parking facility is not a truck stop and were told it is not. 

A bathroom and shower will be available, but no food will be sold on site outside of vending machines. Gasoline will not be sold at the facility.

A buffer will also be placed around the property to reduce noise. The Troup County Planning and Zoning Board had previously approved the rezoning as well, noting that it will not excessively impact traffic or negatively impact public safety as part of its review.