It's back

Those of you who have been a part of this email list from the beginning know that our CSOC group started as a response to a proposed truck stop at the corner of Branch Road and US441. We were able to voice enough opposition that the proposed development was pulled by the developer a couple hours before the Planning Commission was to consider the plan. That was approximately 15 months ago.

The developer then came back with a modified/reduced plan for a convenience store and gas station. That plan did go before the Planning Commission, which unanimously recommended denial of the rezone request. That was less than a year ago. The developer then withdrew the request before it could be heard by the BOC.

Both times the Planning Department recommended denial.

Now the developer, Frances Williams, is back once again. The rezone signs went up today. He’s asking for the same thing, which is a rezone from A-1 to B-2 for ~4 acres to build a convenience store and gas station. The Planning Commission will hear the request Monday, February 19, 2007. The BOC will hear the request Tuesday, March 6, 2007.

I am certain that this time the developer will sue the County if he doesn’t get a favorable vote. I wouldn’t be surprised to see legal representation present at the PC and BOC meetings.

Since Mr. Williams has accused me of being “just a naysayer”, let me go on record as one who is not opposed to development that is smart, wise, and appropriate. What I am opposed to is a commercial rezone in the southern region of the county where no infrastructure exists. An A-1 to B-2 rezone granted in this southern region would set a terrible and destructive precedent.

If you will, mark your calendars for the above meetings. I’ll keep you posted.

Thanks everyone,

Tony Glenn

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jeff Dantzler's arrests may be the best thing that ever happened to him

THis has next to nothing to do with Oconee County with the possible exception of the location of his former office, but a former colleague of mine on the radio got popped today for four counts. Any one who has listened to 960 the Ref AM sports talk radio or heard the UGA Lady Dawgs or men's baseball team has surely heard the encyclopedic knowledge of one Jeff Dantzler. Jeff and I are pretty much diametrically opposed poltically, but today he was arrested on four counts including DUI. I hope he gets the help he needs following his incarceration. I work for a lawyer who could help him out if he does not having someone already representing him. This man is a great broadcaster and I hope this arrest serves as a wake-up call for him and his rock and roll lifestyle. I live a far from perfect life myself but long ago and far away I learned how and when not to drink. Now we will be without he dulcet tones on Lady Bulldog broadcasts as well as on Georgia baseball games and also on the after...
Read more

A deep wound waiting to be healed - restoring order and dignity in the city cemetery

Image
The Watkinsville City Cemetery is an oasis amidst the houses on the east side of the municipality, near the neighborhood once called Sidney. There is a large section of the cemetery that remains a mystery, but perhaps we can work together to dignify the eternal resting spot somewhat better than the current neglected and forgotten (not to mention unmarked) graves of 70 people, more than likely of African-American descent. They deserve to be honored as well. An effort has been undertaken to repair the graves with fill dirt to stop the continued erosion amongst the graves. The most recent grave and bench belong to Larry Sheats,  and as any one who played basketball at Herman C. Michael Park or knew him otherwise  can attest, he was among the best people this county has ever seen. Larry was always ready to help. Now it is our turn to help. Do it for someone you knew there, maybe the Hardens, or the Downs, or any number of other people, but allow me to reminisce about how L...
Read more

I strongly disagree with the impending demolishing of the iconic Watkinsville Water Tower

Image
I know the Watkinsville Water Tower near where the "Big Spring" of what was one called Big Springs, Georgia serves no functional purpose anymore. I know it is a hazard. I know it is rusty and old and past its usefulness for the most part. I see a purpose beyond the aesthetic and instead as a possible financial benefit.  I know there is a way to keep it and make money for our municipality. I wonder who is doing the seemingly shoddy job of removing it (or at least preparing to raze it) and who stands to make money off that?  The dismantling of the Watkinsville Water Tower has already caused one gas leak and I can only imagine what problems await the demolition of the dinosaur.  If it is only because a group of kids have been crawling up it, then build a fence around it. I would think the City of Watkinsville would benefit and making monthly lease fees if they would instead do what about 90% of these abandoned water towers do and that is become a cellular telephone tow...
Read more