County Commission rezones 84 acres for new industrial prospect

As part of the zoning agenda Bulloch County Commissioners approved rezoning request for 84.39 from HC/AG-5 to LI to allow the development of a manufacturing facility. The property is located on US Hwy. 301 South, 1.4 miles north of the Interstate-16 interchange. This adjoins property owned by the Bulloch County Development Authority that was recently rezoned to Light Industrial (LI) to clear the way for another new industrial prospect.

Bulloch County Commission Chairman Roy Thompson opened the first regular meeting of the commission on Tuesday, January 3 at 5:30 PM by welcoming new commissioner Toby Conner. This is Commissioner Conners first meeting since being elected to the commission. He replaced retired Commissioner Walter Gibson.

Commissioner Ray Mosley was voted by the commission to assume the role as Vice Chairman of the board. Commissioners rotate annually in the role of Vice Chairman. He follows Commissioner Timmy Rushing who served as Vice Chairman in 2022.

Zoning Agenda

APPROVED: Greg T. Sikes submitted an application for a conditional use to allow a natural resource development (surface mine) according to section 503 (b)(13). The property is located on Old River Road at Slater Hagan Road.

Jim Anderson a local surveyor spoke in favor of the rezone on behalf of Greg Sikes. He also recognized Jeffery Hardin owner of Harco construction who will be operating the surface mine. He currently operates two surface mines in Effingham County. Harco will use sand and soil from the Bulloch County mine for their local construction projects. Most of the use will be used for their own projects not to sale.

Mr. Hardin addressed the commission and explained that he operates two surface mines in Effingham and this new mine will allow him to market their services to haul and spread their own dirt.

There is a high demand for sand and dirt with all the new construction projects in the area.

No one spoke against the proposed mine.

APPROVED: John C. Craft submitted an application to rezone from R-80 to R-40 to allow the property to be divided into 2 parcels. The property is located at 1786 Pulaski Road.

John Dotson spoke in favor of the rezone on behalf of Mr. Craft.

APPROVED: Tambre Herndon submitted an application to rezone 4.91 acres from AG-5 to R-80 to allow the property to be divided into 2 parcels. The property is located at 80 Burnsed Road.

APPROVED: Cynthia A. Wycherley submitted an application to rezone 83 acres from HC/AG-5 to LI to allow the development of a manufacturing facility. The property is located on US Hwy. 301 South, 1.4 miles north of the Interstate-16 interchange.

Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Bulloch County Development Authority spoke on behalf of Ms. Wycherley in favor of the rezone.

APPROVED: Mincey Rentals, LLC submitted an application to rezone 1.39 acres from HC/AG-5 to LI to allow the development of a manufacturing facility. The property is located on US Hwy. 301 South, 1.4 miles north of the Interstate-16 interchange.

APPROVED: The Bulloch County Planning and Development Department proposes to amend the Official Zoning Map of Bulloch County to apply the Interstate Gateway Overlay district to three parcels. The parcels are located at or approximate to 4908 US Hwy. 301 South.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Dr. Lissa Leege spoke on behalf of the green team of Trinity Episcopal Church regarding the incredible growth that is coming to our community. They recommended the county follow the Smart Growth America plan that allows for targeted high density in small areas versus low density sprawled across large areas.

William Emily addressed the commission again with a continued concern that he has tried to make an appointment to meet with his county commissioner to discuss issues of concern. The commissioner has yet to follow up with him for the meeting. He encourages commissioners follow a more formal system for scheduling meetings.

Emily also addressed the increase in property taxes. He challenged why property taxes went up while they exempted new industries from taxes as an incentive to locate in our community.

Chairman Thompson asked Mr. Emily if he had ever had an issue with the chairman not responding to his calls or concerns. In which Mr. Emily confirmed that he has been very responsive to him and thanked him for this.