ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - [UPDATE - Jan. 27, 7:15 p.m.:] The Albany City Commission approved the rezoning request Tuesday night. The vote was 4-2.

[ORIGINAL ARTICLE:] The Albany City Commission will vote Tuesday, Jan. 27 on whether to rezone property owned by fellow Commissioner Chad Warbington.

Warbington is looking to rezone property in the medical district for a second time, after a similar request was rejected last year. He wants to rezone 602 Second Avenue—land owned by Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital—to allow construction of a duplex.

Questions have emerged about whether public funds might be involved and whether Warbington’s position as a commissioner raises conflict-of-interest concerns. Out of an abundance of caution, he says, Commissioner Warbington has recused himself from all commission discussions on this matter and has denied the use of any public funds.

“Because we need more housing in the downtown area, in the medical district, on the avenues,” Warbington said. “You know, just a lot of disinvestments that has happened over the last 10, 20, 30 years... As a developer and investor, you know, I’m wanting to put my money back into the city. I could easily go to Lee County and invest. I could go to Crisp County and invest. And I have done that. But I just would like to invest back in the city and try to get some of these vacant lots that are vacant. And try to put some new structures on.”

The Albany-Dougherty Planning Commission voted 4-3 against recommending approval. The Jan. 28 vote is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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