Silver lining in last night's BOC meeting (from Tony Glenn)
WE DID IT!!!
The BOC voted unanimously to deny the rezone request by Francis Williams to develop a convenience store and gas station at the corner of Branch Road and US441. After 15 months, three different plans, two withdrawals by Mr. Williams, and two denials by the Planning Commission, the BOC finally got to hear the issue.
I am very proud of all of us, with a particular pat on the back to Paul Poninski. Paul spearheaded a petition drive that resulted in 205 signatures of individuals who did not want to see this type of development in south Oconee. Paul presented the petition signatures to the BOC, which clearly got their attention.
Overall approximately 20 people signed up to speak against the rezone. We provided them with our own personal assessments, data on traffic and fire hazards, and even statements from the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Planning Staff Report that clearly supported our position. In other words, we made a thorough and strong case for denial. I knew we had accomplished our task when Jon Williams, the developer’s agent in this case, stumbled and fumbled his way through his allotted time to rebut our comments. He was unable to adequately challenge a single detail.
The developer has made it clear his intention to sue. So this issue may not be totally dead yet. From my perspective, the county should have an easy time defending their denial in court, thanks in large part to our efforts. We handed them most of what they will need to defend their decision.
My thanks to all of you for your help and support!
On another note, the BOC did vote to join with Walton County to develop the Hard Labor Creek water reservoir. Charlie Baugh sums up below the details on this issue. Over the long run this will have an impact on south Oconee, so keep your eyes on the horizon.
Tony Glenn
The BOC voted unanimously to deny the rezone request by Francis Williams to develop a convenience store and gas station at the corner of Branch Road and US441. After 15 months, three different plans, two withdrawals by Mr. Williams, and two denials by the Planning Commission, the BOC finally got to hear the issue.
I am very proud of all of us, with a particular pat on the back to Paul Poninski. Paul spearheaded a petition drive that resulted in 205 signatures of individuals who did not want to see this type of development in south Oconee. Paul presented the petition signatures to the BOC, which clearly got their attention.
Overall approximately 20 people signed up to speak against the rezone. We provided them with our own personal assessments, data on traffic and fire hazards, and even statements from the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Planning Staff Report that clearly supported our position. In other words, we made a thorough and strong case for denial. I knew we had accomplished our task when Jon Williams, the developer’s agent in this case, stumbled and fumbled his way through his allotted time to rebut our comments. He was unable to adequately challenge a single detail.
The developer has made it clear his intention to sue. So this issue may not be totally dead yet. From my perspective, the county should have an easy time defending their denial in court, thanks in large part to our efforts. We handed them most of what they will need to defend their decision.
My thanks to all of you for your help and support!
On another note, the BOC did vote to join with Walton County to develop the Hard Labor Creek water reservoir. Charlie Baugh sums up below the details on this issue. Over the long run this will have an impact on south Oconee, so keep your eyes on the horizon.
Tony Glenn
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