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 ...