The Locust Grove City Council voted unanimously to grant a variance for the proposed Chick-fil-A restaurant at the southeast corner of Bill Gardner Parkway and Bandy Parkway, just west of I-75.

The applicant requested that the minimum building setback from Bill Gardner Parkway be lowered from 70 to 40 feet to allow the required 55 parking spaces and to prevent the drive-through queue from backing up into the adjoining access lane. According to city staff, granting the request would not be a detriment to future road improvements since the right-of-way is already in place for the planned future improvements to Bill Gardner Parkway.

In other business, the council voted unanimously to approve the architectural plans submitted for Express Oil Change, which is planned for 601 Market Place Boulevard. The applicant has indicated that the general concept is to construct a 5,705-square-foot, single-story rectangular building where the main entrance and vehicle access faces south toward Bill Gardner Parkway.

The council also unanimously approved the creation of a streetlight district in the Indian Grove residential subdivision, to be served by both Georgia Power and Central Georgia EMC. The owners of all 87 lots are in favor of the move, and it is expected to cost each lot $51.55 per year.