[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6329075,"mediaKeyId","2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a","parentId",2316525,"title","Commissioners approve R21 zoning at River Run Farm despite neighbors’ water‑quality and fire‑safety concerns","audioSeconds",1217,"startMs",2316000,"endMs",3533000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a&start=2316&end=3533","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a/thumbnail_2316000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329075/Lowndes-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-R21-zoning-at-River-Run-Farm-despite-neighbors-waterquality-and-firesafety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329075-0f51f92b66c58e4e5a86a6d43636fb2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149978&Signature=A7A7~ZX3YJC1ukA5-X73o1i2Fr0elkdaElvMP05TzbMgqMPykUg2E9pDKomzcqTK4wsONHJHv3hp~OjTd~DwbVXmSevU2cUFG7fbMHd7Bfu5Kl-XuvHpwCtRxPx2VlMPx2qDYdZRmeUUO8stFhot3n~to4MoAnynx4t82LvfAm2xTBn0o5dV0sKC2Eb4tbak3yKnZZdmAa7rGpa-ckdLgrxXsxzA4eH9j-JsRFRP~6IlNpBIVbw7IU-zo46HJ1D09zxpcsrFSayz89wXuR11XR2PrAmwdbiQd9cw9XPnjVVjMiENk0qvckAYLjLTzPO2QX7ErZxx82z30g-8QvYRng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-13T16:27:34Z","article","Lowndes County commissioners approved a rezoning request to change approximately 15.3 acres from commercial (CC) to R21 for the River Run Farm parcel along Lake Alapaha Boulevard, allowing additional residential development in the Lake Alapaha Plantation area.

Planning staff told commissioners the parcel is consistent with the suburban future land‑use designation and within the urban service area. Staff and the Engineering/Environmental review noted utility constraints and water‑system issues; staff said the county and the power company are in design phases to relocate buried utilities and improve drainage and that a March 27 bid opening and a May–June notice‑to‑proceed are planned for a project that would include a new well site and a larger 20,000‑gallon tank to increase storage capacity.

Neighbors objected at the public hearing, focusing on water quality, low tank storage and firefighting capacity. Amy Watts said the neighborhood’s water system has repeatedly exceeded EPA‑recommended limits for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5) in recent years and said violations have occurred every quarter since 2020. Pete Sturgill and other residents said they experience persistent low pressure and roadway flooding and told commissioners they have seen limited remedial action despite earlier promises.

Property owner Larry Sanders, who sought the rezoning, said he intended to develop no more than nine lots initially and said he would coordinate with the county on drainage and water‑system improvements. Sanders said he would build homes gradually and was willing to wait on construction until utilities are in place; he said he would not be satisfied with a restrictive condition that limited his future options across his entire holdings.

The planning commission had recommended approval with a planning‑commission condition limiting development to no more than nine lots (motion passed 6‑3). At the county meeting, commissioners debated whether to adopt conditions or approve without restriction. After motions and discussion, the board approved R21 for the subject acreage and the motion carried. Commissioners and staff said county engineering, EPD reporting and water‑system upgrades are planned and that developers and the county will need to coordinate further engineering and permitting before construction.

The rezoning approval does not itself authorize construction; specific lot plats, septic permits, well permits, and infrastructure work must be completed before any building.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LCBOC CM 2 11 25","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved rezoning roughly 15.3 acres from commercial to R21 for River Run Farm; neighbors urged delay over water contamination, low tank storage and low fire flow, but commissioners approved the request after debate.","taxTitle","Lowndes County, Georgia","taxId",4636,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329079,"County holds second public hearing on House Bill 581 homestead exemption; officials outline trade‑offs and next steps",1790,1983000,3773000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a&start=1983&end=3773","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a/thumbnail_1983000.jpg","/articles/6329079/Lowndes-County/Georgia/County-holds-second-public-hearing-on-House-Bill-581-homestead-exemption-officials-outline-tradeoffs-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329079-e974ade9ce156e598c8626aee6d8c156/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149978&Signature=c6PtwMAxQ1lsOl1sLpX4CnTqsoZtlojr4V2hnCrlGxYeiy-2hSU9EiRZnSvT0cbs1x8gq0ceI59BJoF9WsexqYJHyHB2t3XAHbzHGglbzAaxvXpnhKbiXiy5fodZg93FNktdpKqVRTtQiLZhjCnpWNsMuv9ptlE1NUBdekBMveHecLQEnD1PnY5O9q0mQ4cjuit8zq174W02tqYmYinbuaLnDSwDuxWjht4oLuZN9xJl7uuDdicTzP8rkOnUA4LuzQDELskLJfYdtu0nsA0JElzfdYbyrglujA1Ghqj9GY7QAImPG7GNfmubY5nkA6fFazY7k4jnUyPc9871-~v1gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lowndes County commissioners held a public hearing on House Bill 581 — the state homestead property‑tax exemption measure — hearing presentations from county staff and public comment as the county continues a month‑long series of hearings required before the March 1 deadline to submit an opt‑out decision.

County staff explained the statute’s mechanics and potential fiscal effects. The homestead exemption would cap annual increases in a homestead’s taxable value by a rate tied to inflation determined by the state revenue commissioner, with the 2024 value serving as the base year for existing homesteads. Staff warned the cap would create a growing gap over time between actual market value and the capped taxable value; that gap would need to be made up by millage increases on non‑homestead properties (rentals, businesses, farms), shifting tax burdens to those properties. Staff also described a separate local option sales tax (a “floating local option sales tax” or FLOST) that could be placed before voters only if all local governments opt in; that sales tax is a consumption tax and would be returned to property owners as a rollback rather than being available to fund general county services.

County staff and the county manager emphasized the narrow statutory timeline: under the law in effect at the hearing, local governments must file an opt‑out by March 1 or be locked in permanently; staff noted additional state legislation was under consideration that could extend that deadline. Commissioners said they are exploring alternatives including a proposed additional senior exemption for residents 65 and older in coordination with the local school board, and promised to continue seeking options that minimize unintended shifts in the tax burden.

Public comment was split. Some residents urged the county to opt in to House Bill 581 to protect homeowners from rising taxes. William Veil said he supported staying “opted in on $5.81” (House Bill 581) because homeowners’ property is often the only savings many residents have and further tax increases would displace homeowners.

Other residents urged the commission to opt out and preserve local control. Pam Hubbard said she preferred to keep the decision at the local level and recommended the county opt out so the commission and school board can pursue local solutions. Patricia Williams criticized what she described as rising local property taxes and asked for more accountability and enforcement of commercial code compliance before reducing homeowner tax protections.

County staff said the county and school board are actively exploring a larger senior exemption to reduce tax pressure on older homeowners, and reiterated that the county’s millage rate has been rolled back several times in recent years. Commissioners said they are following the statutory hearing schedule, will continue discussions with the school board and will make a final decision at the end of the hearing series before the deadline.

Because state law governs the opt‑in/opt‑out timeline, the county’s hearing series is intended to collect public input before commissioners vote on a resolution that would be filed with the secretary of state. The board did not vote at the hearing; the matter will return for a final decision at a later meeting in accordance with the statutory schedule.","Lowndes County held the second of three public hearings required under House Bill 581 on whether to opt into the homestead property‑tax cap; staff described the statute's effects, potential revenue shifts, and the narrow March 1 opt‑out deadline while residents offered differing views on taxation, school finance and fiscal management.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329084,"Commissioners approve rezoning to agricultural (EA) for Linville property to align parcel with agricultural use",268,1678000,1946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a&start=1678&end=1946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a/thumbnail_1678000.jpg","/articles/6329084/Lowndes-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-rezoning-to-agricultural-EA-for-Linville-property-to-align-parcel-with-agricultural-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329084-5270915c09cdbeb30262d61108d97734/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149978&Signature=EK7wKtU1OmE4iGgejnrpxJyi~kPJ6k8tQeTLmyJTDbk-Pepzw8zH85UW5tDUZIGsBHv-e5ePLBQ0sOBuNIW9z-5V1yzctFu~d3K-KAXLwOdPlzbfR8u8B6a5R-X60a-f1QBaPr4DSYQRgVteR-IXktkMesztaMrJffvQA2qJaYUZddX8fwFl4gVucYfL7txu3j9jfB9ccW93xN89mmHMe0c1bPNZpn-w-59vFueAE33x9rfhzWTQf3Pe4c-YFnM6m7aHFx1kzM~hf2rllM9RJ1pjlLwC8vkFtBQly6ECjVK2lCdSiTN4lI61EGKfP4W7i~4-~ReB3-euvi1WxVmv1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning request from R1 to EA for a 16.3‑acre property owned by Thomas Linville to consolidate the parcel for agricultural use and a storage building.

Planner J.D. Dillard said the property is within an agricultural character area that recommends EA zoning, and the TRC found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan; the planning commission recommended approval 9‑0 after public comment. Linville told the commission he plans to use the property to store personal equipment including an RV and small machinery, to maintain pine trees for sale and to build a 5,000‑square‑foot storage building for personal use. He said there would be no chemicals stored on site and no commercial fire‑suppression materials kept on the property.

After no opposition at the county public hearing, a commissioner moved to approve the rezoning and a second was recorded. The board voted unanimously to approve the EA designation; the approval allows Linville to proceed with required permitting for agricultural uses and accessory buildings under EA zoning.","The board approved converting a 16.3‑acre parcel from R1 to EA (agricultural) to create a conforming agricultural parcel for storage and farm use; the vote was unanimous.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329088,"Board approves adding 12 townhomes to Hamilton Green site; unanimous vote",225,1432000,1657000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a&start=1432&end=1657","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a/thumbnail_1432000.jpg","/articles/6329088/Lowndes-County/Georgia/Board-approves-adding-12-townhomes-to-Hamilton-Green-site-unanimous-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329088-047f7a094992c258877441144eae1398/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149978&Signature=oo6Ogh7DIPghT63YYwjneU2XkLGpIEapwX-8uxMZD9mUNPpVZkmopldGnHBdTXPhQ1OBctnDPcUel-2eIOYPC28M8QE~420dYtiy-CjeXcKqPXUmboShW5j~TVtje-R1T4-Ip8kOMENhP4yW2y~LEIwCW3q4CfLzPE7aGdJcQKfTZr28xT~O1WiqS2etN8gagrc8uyBoig1JOQu6qD3ByNT7Dbwx1QVOjVZ0PcHAohJ2n2QRMZX~gDTOuabhk7xUbW92uA9NCOIsEATwEM~F1nU9Bn3AHav4~FG3yh0BG2aZQgq7ur99zLvlZNAuGXwrjavVOR4FqO~nWOhal-txAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lowndes County commissioners unanimously approved REZ 2025‑02, allowing the applicant to convert about 1.12 acres of commercial general (CG) land to a planned development (PD) and add 12 townhomes and amenities to the previously approved Hamilton Green site on Bemis Road.

Planner J.D. Dillard said the additional 1.12 acres is adjacent to a 2022 PD approval that included townhomes and that the Technical Review Committee found the proposal consistent with the Unified Land Development Code. The planning commission voted 9‑0 to recommend approval after the applicant’s engineer described the site plan and parking.

Engineer Matthew Emman told commissioners the project would add 12 units, nine additional parking spaces beyond unit parking, and amenities including a pool, clubhouse and grilling areas. Emman said unit parking provides two spaces in the driveway and one in the garage per unit, with nine supplemental visitor spaces planned.

After no public opposition at the hearing, a commissioner moved to approve and the motion was seconded. The board voted unanimously in favor.

The approval adds the 1.12 acres to the Hamilton Green plan; implementation of the site plan, construction and final permits remain subject to standard county review and building permits.","Commissioners unanimously approved a request to convert 1.12 acres of commercial zoning into planned development to add 12 townhomes and amenities to the Hamilton Green project on Bemis Road.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6329090,"Commissioners approve Hurtado rezoning on Bethany Drive with five‑lot limit after drainage and traffic concerns",1271,151000,1422000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a&start=151&end=1422","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2316525-d530e090a06193208dc3b4255d64ef9a/thumbnail_151000.jpg","/articles/6329090/Lowndes-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-Hurtado-rezoning-on-Bethany-Drive-with-fivelot-limit-after-drainage-and-traffic-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329090-5ba235f2e23d70be495f07d22666a586/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149978&Signature=kjxLcVESIJikX34lexicTp5Kpif8T2iIns01WEV-9N~Tk2geOG7CwsYudNYqHSwp~CA-38NOUJ6bpCHWPIxSO-fTgGo5MjZfJGXIKquzSvy2Zos1Cu2FXKq2kEjPTgYnIr~mE4hWTTiEjzJ9JfyqynqotHBHFEJItKoImF9WbTCgg~81KKPKFSohSnW-lNmtga1fhw9p~SEMKoCQXa4xBHzK6Sujd~BlMNlHZ4opIXgd-T8voKMZx4C9of1bAeJ8lgLPtAkhAaZUE80nP73RcSmEQxeEBpPxFuOyHM0pvroxzTz0bjyYos9yGI7lp0935UVafgpyxOBaSrCVe-bqWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lowndes County commissioners voted 3‑1 to approve a rezoning request for a 6.4‑acre parcel on Bethany Drive, changing the property from RA to R1 with a condition that no more than five residences be developed on the site.

The measure, REZ 2020‑51, was presented by county planner J.D. Dillard, who told commissioners the Technical Review Committee recommended approval of R1 based on neighboring lot sizes, availability of county water on the eastern side of Valdell Road and septic viability. Dillard also noted the planning commission had recommended denial, 8‑1, after neighbors raised stormwater, drainage and traffic concerns.

Several nearby residents urged denial during the public hearing. Rodney Smith, who said he lives in Bethany Hills, told commissioners the area has “exploded” with new houses and urged them not to “add even more houses in this area.” Matthew Williams, who lives on Bethany Drive directly across from the subject parcel, said existing infrastructure cannot handle additional development and described recurring stormwater problems on his property.

Applicant Lindsey Hurtado, who identified herself as the builder and owner of La Catalina Properties, said she intends to build stick‑built single‑family homes roughly 2,500–2,750 square feet with about an acre per lot and that she would bore to county utilities at her own cost if development proceeds. Hurtado said her plan would produce up to five lots under the requested R1 zoning and that she does not intend to build accessory dwelling units or place mobile homes on the lots: “Absolutely not,” she said when asked whether mobile homes would be used.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm technical points raised by speakers. Dillard said any development requiring septic would need percolation tests and health‑department approval and confirmed county water extensions to serve new lots would be at the developer’s expense. Dillard also noted the TRC and engineering review would assess drainage and wetland issues if the project proceeds.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve staff’s recommendation with a condition limiting the property to five residences; another commissioner seconded the motion. The motion passed 3‑1.

The decision allows the applicant to proceed with R1 zoning subject to the county’s permitting, engineering and health‑department requirements. Any future subdivision platting, septic permits, and water connections must meet county standards and are dependent on subsequent approvals.","Lowndes County commissioners approved rezoning of a 6.4‑acre parcel on Bethany Drive from RA to R1 with a condition limiting the site to five residences after neighbors raised concerns about drainage, traffic and school impacts; the vote was 3‑1.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners approve R21 zoning at River Run Farm despite neighbors’ water‑quality and fire‑safety concerns

County holds second public hearing on House Bill 581 homestead exemption; officials outline trade‑offs and next steps

Commissioners approve rezoning to agricultural (EA) for Linville property to align parcel with agricultural use

Board approves adding 12 townhomes to Hamilton Green site; unanimous vote

Commissioners approve Hurtado rezoning on Bethany Drive with five‑lot limit after drainage and traffic concerns