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Rezoning requests dominate County Commissioners' agenda

Two rezoning requests dominated the agenda at the regular meeting of the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners earlier this week.
Bulloch County Board of Commissioners
Credit: Grice Connect

Two rezoning requests dominated the agenda at the regular meeting of the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners earlier this week.

Daniel and Angela Adams petitioned the Board to rezone over five acres of agricultural (AG–5) property along Highway 67 to highway commercial (HC). According to Planning and Development Director James Pope, county staff recommended a denial. Staff reports cited negative environmental and public safety impact, as well as incompatibility with the county’s comprehensive development plan.

Daniel and Angela Adams listen to opposing arguments against their request to rezone 5.5 acres of land from AG-5 to HC.
Credit: Grice Connect

Real estate agent Tony Crosby spoke in favor of the request. Crosby told the Board that rezoning would “foster entrepreneurship”, posing the question of why that particular corridor of Highway 67 was expanded if not to encourage growth. Board members also heard testimony from the petitioners, who encouraged them to “embrace this growth in a positive way.”

Area residents Gaye and Juan Hill spoke against rezoning, citing previously-denied requests and suggesting that doing so would throw off the balance of commercial and agricultural land in the area. After some discussion the Board approved the request, with several conditions, by unanimous vote. Commissioner Curt Deal participated virtually.

Watch full meeting VIDEO here:

Commissioners also entertained a request from R&H Development Company to rezone nearly 43 acres from AG-5 to residential (R-25) along T H Lee Road near Clito to expand existing plans for “Silver Leaf” - a proposed single-family subdivision.  Staff reports recommended approving the request, a sentiment echoed by development company owner Robert Bell and local land surveyor James Anderson

Area land owner Judy McCorkle spoke in opposition, stating that the developer’s plan is “out of scale to the needs of the neighborhood.” McCorkle brought attention to the fact that adjacent property was rezoned over 11 years ago, but Bell’s company has failed to begin development of the land. Bulloch County Farm Bureau President Bill T. Akers also spoke against the request.

In rebuttal Bell said, “a lot has changed since then” and blamed the economic downturn for the delay in building. The Board fielded several questions to speakers before unanimously approving the request with conditions.

County Manager Tom Couch presents a series of policies governing Tax Allocation Districts at Tuesday's meeting.
Credit: Grice Connect

County receives $946k GDOT grant

According to Senior Accountant Peyton Fuller, Bulloch County was awarded a $946,400 grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation. Fuller said these funds are part of an 80/20 matching grant and will be used in the expansion of The S&S Greenway - a 2.75 mile walking and biking trail currently spanning from Gentilly Road to Pretoria-Rushing Road.

Other Business

  • Approved a contract for Splash in the Boro summer marketing and media purchases with Davis Marketing Company
  • Approved a bid for purchasing refurbished mowers
  • Approved purchase of HVAC pool heater replacements
  • Approved purchase of additional training hours for Tyler Technologies software
  • Approved a Special Event Permit for the Georgia Police K9 Foundation to host a non-profit event at OTC on June 4 from 5:00-11:00 PM
  • Adopted a set of policies governing the establishment and management of Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) as presented by County Manager Tom Couch