[{"_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",6269550,"mediaKeyId","3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb","parentId",3042316,"title","Council approves consent items, permits and downtown property purchase; other routine votes","audioSeconds",2896,"startMs",844000,"endMs",3740000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb&start=844&end=3740","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb/thumbnail_844000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6269550/Statesboro-City/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Council-approves-consent-items-permits-and-downtown-property-purchase-other-routine-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269550-71623338211ffadecd3c6d330180e5a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773330607&Signature=GTp~5znYsJX2UApSzucWIZOxhFnl7AzK5pyKlK9k9kxxBeb8rLrsOjuEsLszQMulurtp3oKhlUnwpFJUIXqCqgU-00cq8pn0kjKO9Tdf6xMsMS-mDO4ftn8AXutijpSbl8NXmZ1R5xTT8jBHc80HCvTWhTzVwEgXwFGm5xq7-P1DXTj6dWPvw4~vQaBa1c~1Sf0QcF2TXECSzXq82QBuItMOIsKnTvKj-tScfHUOFqcRAO5hHAIv1ohAzb9rMFZaoHooErllrcAV4EHsBFPYIP9hxqIeXp4MuTcN7FwE1c79Q5F4Cil5uGoUSsH3ThcYkRVcmGqDz9XN4yXY5GQJ3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-17T20:26:00.133Z","article","Statesboro City Council on April 15 approved multiple routine items on the consent agenda and took several separate votes on contracts and licenses.

The council approved the consent agenda, which included approval of the April 2025 council minutes and the surplus of outdated electronics, two vehicles and three trailers from the Statesboro Police Department inventory.

The council approved an alcohol license application for Antoinette's Cafe Kitchen, 193 West Main Street, and approved a contract award to Museums Traffic Signal LLC in the amount of $33,790 for traffic signal work. The council also approved a purchase agreement to acquire 45 West Main Street for use as a parking lot for the West Main Street Streetscape Improvement Project (ENG-92); staff said funding is provided from 02/2018.

Each of these items passed by voice vote with the clerk calling \"Aye\" for those in favor; the meeting transcript does not include a roll-call tally for these votes. The council later announced it would enter an executive session to discuss real estate pursuant to O.C.G.A. \u0000\u0000\u0000 50-14-3(b).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04 17 25 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","On April 15 the council approved the consent agenda, an alcohol license for Antoinette's Cafe, a traffic-signal contract, and a purchase agreement for 45 West Main Street for downtown parking; the meeting also recessed to executive session on real estate.","taxTitle","Statesboro City, Bulloch County, Georgia","taxId",51947,"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},6269554,"Statesboro Youth Council reports placemaking grant work, GMA and Washington trips",295,139000,434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb&start=139&end=434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6269554/Statesboro-City/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Statesboro-Youth-Council-reports-placemaking-grant-work-GMA-and-Washington-trips","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269554-1219eff523d8fada828ad77fca0160c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773330607&Signature=nGSOusiGo5ofKPmb56VwziN6RN1XDdBOuq8Wi-wPuBhm0CtzCsCRDPcah36alNxFRTl77KpYxrMgkfBtTt8h6kuErFOvLFSXJ4gO~-ue8AS6ZEGIya6b8KyATsFcT~zTAk-K9JO5O52BdqRjDTOU0ffHSA7mvKojMHRGbrWL2bc50DEBz4UKIpE2zRSR59x~0LalINqGCYYI7gbrYPDK44WVoD1jjOWZ5TbCOIakRdcJOc3tNgZPgwwUwbbWBij-CZSV4xRk33WKbizei3KzatvghJ8E7~SBs1XcI13umqLDlQO8QMaiH7pLld4Z6FJn8AM4z-PEeTuti9SexXhZ-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Statesboro Youth Council described projects and trips they completed this year during the council's recognitions and public presentations segment on April 15.

Jameson Hughes, introduced as junior mayor of the Statesboro Youth Council, reported the placemaking grant rehabilitated benches and added flower planters, pavers and a chess area on the Mattel Trail to make the trail safer and more inviting. Hughes said the group replaced damaged benches and improved play areas so children and adults could use the trail without hazard. \"The benches are out there,\" Hughes said. \"The flower planters and pavers are now there. So it looks really good, and it has been an amazing outcome.\"

Grace Huff Colbert and Eden Chambers described attending the Georgia Municipal Association event in Atlanta, where they participated in sessions including UNICEF child-rights programming and networking with other youth councils. They said the event included workshops, icebreakers and keynote speakers and provided opportunities to meet other municipal youth leaders.

Don Beasley (identified in the record as attending school and serving as a school liaison) and Alan Beasley spoke briefly about a Washington, D.C., trip that included visits to the Supreme Court, the White House visitor center, multiple memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. They said the trip combined historical education and civic engagement.

The council and staff acknowledged the youth council's work and thanked members and supporting staff, including Dr. LaSara Mitchell (introduced earlier), for facilitating the programs.","The Statesboro Youth Council presented results of a placemaking grant that refurbished Mattel Trail amenities and described statewide and Washington, D.C., trips undertaken by members.",{"_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},6269560,"Council approves revised Phase 3 plan at Burke Hoffman Road; unit count reduced",244,2785000,3029000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb&start=2785&end=3029","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb/thumbnail_2785000.jpg","/articles/6269560/Statesboro-City/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Council-approves-revised-Phase-3-plan-at-Burke-Hoffman-Road-unit-count-reduced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269560-49e0adfc31182387d0ffa935ddb23488/orig.mp4?Expires=1773330607&Signature=MO8JRost6AGdwztPE4YJqL3oKxbTRVGvvgpN~3jYEZUDfFqB6bNDkdGOincdiGiACfGLALpyqkURgN1OC1jcCaZNiWhzL4y3O7rargw3YAzUEOfNnA8g5pP6gCXSIbTECQj4IVMSm0EpSGLwOlmsVPMHKvz1D0CMSJdlZgvUk79IWMhRh9~roSCPiKSZlEuv3KP3UdRoLhBJafwXH7u1lNPRJmm4o-rl2n69u3kEidBzgh2TKv2DSIBuU-aKnVh4Wp~T768tKYl6uJHriyWKmFX3ODtOpAsmwQ78IkEY3YHqZlL4WhdbaeJWoGA7EjWfc5IqhLfbQTaVOTOSuf5~PQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Statesboro City Council approved a revised preliminary plat for the third phase of a subdivision at 69.2 Burke Hoffman Road on April 15, revising the phase to a proposed 139 units, including 56 single-family residences.

City staff reported the site is mostly vacant and that previous approvals covered earlier phases. The newly presented third phase reduces density from earlier plans: a staff presentation and on-site discussion showed the new phase would shift from a largely townhome layout to 77 townhomes and 62 single-family detached homes, lowering the total unit count by roughly 75 units compared with earlier designs.

Kevin, a planning staff member who presented the item, said staff recommended approval subject to conditions in prior approvals, including right-of-way improvements and traffic-study items. The planning commission recommended approval at its April 1 meeting on a 3-0 vote with two commissioners absent.

Owner Michael McKell Jr. appeared at the hearing. A public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers against the request. The council then voted to approve the preliminary subdivision plat with the staff conditions.

Staff said the approval must comply with the conditions in SUV 24-05-04 and that required right-of-way and traffic study mitigations will remain part of the project's conditions of approval.","Council approved a revision to the third phase of a subdivision at Burke Hoffman Road, changing the design to 139 units with 56 single-family homes and reducing previously planned townhome units.",{"_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},6269562,"Council approves rezoning for Garfield Street lot to allow duplex",345,878000,1223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb&start=878&end=1223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb/thumbnail_878000.jpg","/articles/6269562/Statesboro-City/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Council-approves-rezoning-for-Garfield-Street-lot-to-allow-duplex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269562-400cb02ca617de7e40d0935f1acd5639/orig.mp4?Expires=1773330608&Signature=Mi2a-8QIZ-CTnwzZLFGgFDlJ~64wlTH4XfCXUvq483ag43vJjuPQFtQx3ldYpWYYmbx7F7Pi8YyR4AANKReDNNxE0tReYAUb4z7W8RWss3PS2LbDx0Pe2gUR4uiclsFMGRYY3gqgOSn7N6C3EGRD~M1fcgAU1ZNE0s-h726XNm6R1tVEEtJpjCyTt~pqTTFmFKQNlYmpZRq4LwJuMmOUELzpiBkR0HASAWDRo0JoCxmEDvOywImRm-3MdfpbVld7qPZnO6E66n4sPSZbqlDBaqHc6NqZHez2kc3VDinju7MyHpix5eODEWBhHF0MLiSYTzuWcvWO0IL0RL20ztrqrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Statesboro City Council on April 15 approved a zoning map amendment to rezone a vacant 0.32-acre lot on Garfield Street from R-15 single-family residential to R-4 high-density residential to permit construction of a duplex.

City planner Cathy told the council the property is a corner lot surrounded mostly by single-family homes and that staff recommended denial because the proposed R-4 classification is incompatible with the immediate neighborhood. The planning commission, however, recommended approval on a 5-0 vote and cited nearby development trends when voting.

Cathy described the parcel and showed a sketch plan that included two units with four parking spaces. She noted that approval of a rezoning would not itself grant building permits and that any construction would require separate review.

Council members debated whether introducing duplexes into an established single-family block would set a precedent. One council member said the site was close to other new apartments and observed that no neighbors had appeared in opposition at the public hearing. After a motion and second, the council voted in favor and the measure passed.

The council did not record a roll-call vote in the meeting transcript; the clerk noted the motion carried and the item was marked passed.","The council approved a zoning map amendment allowing R-4 high-density residential zoning for a 0.32-acre Garfield Street lot to permit a duplex; staff recommended denial while the planning commission recommended approval.",{"_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},6269567,"Statesboro council pauses Unified Development Ordinance changes after debate on sprinklers, tiny homes",1501,1243000,2744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb&start=1243&end=2744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042316-4770e22cf6f9320201a6acfd7526bffb/thumbnail_1243000.jpg","/articles/6269567/Statesboro-City/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Statesboro-council-pauses-Unified-Development-Ordinance-changes-after-debate-on-sprinklers-tiny-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269567-5d3b2ce0ec0692ee26650e3705746894/orig.mp4?Expires=1773330608&Signature=lmN5Ezo~ZQUTDqOemJcvtXytgTBycMsx1I0Ww2-FWLFRvmxSHp8RvjzXS8C9b0HsgMETckYZWfTTzSxaIEkfLCdSyQJNUod1RfF9jIqCAAe6IgoqYnz4794r77XoTBF7ReM9CCu9fT7I3pe-dCR3Lu7nGoVBULhwH~TmPobtM~Ok0wCKGiCf5XzRYt9wCmWcU8cGY0soNQephAqlI3gsFV0y~It7sgYthIdbcFq~zauZdJO6Zw9lU8zQKj1U5KgcJWZ2kDQQcXENBrHUPJLC6yG5PQp8nKDFf3FzVC7QVaanBUwc4QaaIhYIdPeoVYje~0GYJ4ibFO2st2Rx305c6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Statesboro City Council on April 15 took no action on proposed amendments to the city's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), including a newly proposed requirement that multiunit townhomes install automatic sprinkler systems and language creating a pathway for tiny-home developments.

The council deferred the items after developers and the fire department clashed over cost and safety trade-offs and members asked staff to consult further with local builders before a second reading. The council directed staff to schedule a work session and return with revisions in May.

The UDO package presented in the meeting included several technical edits and one substantive addition, cited in the draft as section 2.5.0.9, \"multi-unit fire protection,\" that would apply a sprinkler requirement to multi-household dwellings and townhomes. Staff said the amendment could be applied going forward at council's discretion and that midstream projects could be grandfathered.

Steve Rushing, an attorney representing a local homebuilder identified in the record as Verizon Home Builders, told the council the firm is already well into construction on a townhome subdivision and learned of the proposed amendment that afternoon. \"We have already permitted and framed and even 57 of those have received certificate of occupancy,\" Rushing said. He said adding sprinklers now would require new engineering, delay projects and substantially raise costs; he estimated the retrofit could add roughly $5 per square foot pending engineering. Rushing asked the council to consider the proposal's timing and its impact on projects already under way.

Fire Chief Tim (first name given in the meeting) said the proposal was a proactive safety measure aimed at reducing fire risk where townhomes are being used as rental housing for young adults, including students. He told the council his office had local pricing that put the addition closer to $3.50 per square foot and said sprinklers control smoke and fire in ways firewalls and detectors do not. \"Apartment buildings are required to be sprinkled,\" he said. \"This is more about being proactive.\"

City staff and developers also debated the technical distinction between townhomes and apartment buildings. Rushing described the townhomes in his development as individually platted single-family units with separate utilities; staff said the draft language applied to multi-household dwellings and townhomes and that state limits affect how the city can set requirements.

The UDO amendments also address tiny-home developments. Under the draft language read at the meeting, a tiny home would be defined as a building between 407 and 749 square feet intended for dwelling and could be permitted inside medium- and high-density multifamily districts with a special-use permit; tiny homes on wheels would not qualify. Staff emphasized that tiny-home developments must meet building codes adopted by the city and additional site requirements in section 2.4.0.2.

Council members expressed concern about the financial impact and the timing of applying a sprinkler rule to projects already permitted. Several members asked staff to consult further with local developers and return with clearer grandfathering language and an assessment of the pipeline of projects that could be affected.

Mayor Cooney and council members agreed to take no action at the first reading and to place the package on a work session agenda for more discussion. Staff said the item will return for a subsequent first reading and that adjustments identified in the work session will be reflected when the council resumes consideration.

The council did not adopt the UDO changes at the April meeting; no ordinance was enacted and staff was directed to continue stakeholder outreach and prepare a revised draft for the council's work session and a later reading.","City council did not act on first-reading amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance after builders raised cost concerns about a new townhome sprinkler requirement and council asked staff for more outreach; council scheduled further review in May.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves consent items, permits and downtown property purchase; other routine votes

Statesboro Youth Council reports placemaking grant work, GMA and Washington trips

Council approves revised Phase 3 plan at Burke Hoffman Road; unit count reduced

Council approves rezoning for Garfield Street lot to allow duplex

Statesboro council pauses Unified Development Ordinance changes after debate on sprinklers, tiny homes