Augusta Planning Commission approved Wednesday the rezoning of two more tracts off Berckmans Road for Augusta National Golf Club parking.

The lots, at 355 Berckmans Road and 351 Heath Drive, are among the last the golf club will "assimilate" in a plan to expand parking for the Masters Tournament, said Patrick J. Rice, attorney for Augusta National and Berckman Residential Properties LLC.

"This about completes that project," Rice said.

In recent years, Augusta National has bought out numerous homeowners in neighborhoods along Berckmans, leveled the residences and created a grassy parking area for Masters patrons.

The club paid $2.85 million for the undeveloped, 2.85-acre Heath Drive tract and $550,000 for the .39-acre lot and home at 355 Berckmans, near Gate 10 and the fifth tee, according to property records.

Also approved by the planning commission Wednesday were the conversion of a 718 Weed St. residence to "transition housing" for a maximum of six homeless people to live, and the installation of a cell tower at 1601 Johns Road.

The 140-foot tower will go in the center of a forested 16-acre parcel that's part of the Henry B. King trust, which also leases Pendleton King Park to the city.

Nearby residents opposed the tower going up at "one of the most peaceful little places in the community," and cited other problems the road has had with unlicensed homes for veterans.

The site is located between Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center's uptown campus and Trinity Hospital, which operator Mark Barinowski said both need enhanced AT&T service.

The planning commission actions must go before the Augusta Commission for final approval.