OAKWOOD — Judging by rezoning and annexation applications in this South Hall city, industrial activity is on the move again, signaling an uptick in the sluggish economy.

The Oakwood Planning Commission has considered few items, industrial or otherwise, in past monthly meetings.

But Monday night, city officials discussed five applications with the panel, four related to industrial requests.

“That’s more like what it used to be,” City Planner Larry Sparks said before the meeting. “It’s encouraging to see some industry is looking at relocating and developing, and we’re trying to accommodate that. Hopefully, this is a sign of some things to come.”

The planning board ended up recommending approval of the petitions without much discussion. Now going before City Council on May 10 are requests by:

• Bruce Mistarz to annex 25.36 acres at 5750 McEver Road at the site of Unisia Steering Systems.
  

Mistarz plans to buy the property and locate his company, Mencom Corp., there. Mencom makes industrial electrical connections, Sparks said.

The reason for the annexation is that “he needs to get sewer for his operation,” Sparks said.

• Gwinnett Industries, or Patillo Construction, to rezone 15.33 acres at 5420 H.F. Reed Industrial Parkway to heavy industrial from light industrial for the purpose of a food-processing business setting up operations.
  
• Gwinnett Industries to rezone nearly 56 acres at 5375 McEver Road to heavy industrial from light industrial. The company has no planned uses for the property at this time.
  

Also, the city of Oakwood is trying to rezone 32 acres on W. White Road, which is off Chamblee Road with access to H.F. Reed Industrial, to heavy industrial from light industrial.

“The city is looking ... to work out a development agreement and be able to purchase this property and develop it as an industrial park,” Sparks said. “I believe there are a couple of (prospects) that are looking at that.”

The property is in an area designated for heavy industry “that’s expanding and growing,” he added.

In general, Sparks said he is seeing business stirring up across the city.

“We’ve gotten some inquiries about other properties, availability and what might be the zoning on it,” he added. “Things appear to be looking up.”

One thing for sure, “we’ve got a lot of available space,” Sparks said.