[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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],{"_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",6253515,"mediaKeyId","3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0","parentId",3180394,"title","Despite strong neighborhood opposition, Planning Commission recommends approval for Ridge Road boat and RV storage rezoning","audioSeconds",1874,"startMs",2218000,"endMs",4092000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0&start=2218&end=4092","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0/thumbnail_2218000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6253515/Columbia-County/Georgia/Despite-strong-neighborhood-opposition-Planning-Commission-recommends-approval-for-Ridge-Road-boat-and-RV-storage-rezoning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253515-32bf8babb6a60017ab051103e08a60eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770967483&Signature=n8Vmj~p7~c7XVGcirM7B0eH1AsT38KgTKsoM9bIzDumNMTQ25zLbQDnTuFn~87Chj-DaqJ1vwy9Q5xIVsSpAPVMk-reBaLVxU05~MW-zSaoa1-4ECnZxQIJmPfHTrh-qj1nCyo634amOfXOTLfbTF6v5zyC~kOR9gFJ-56Umc~kkrlakX9EmIyQTFkd5r3x-4LRt-f6DD7s7j2Nib-2b~mFbzNngF4K3L5FmZBDoTTc5dz-kilWyCTjbTeBd084CM2b4ghWPGF-OPhLNI8x7g4-fL0x5twlju98zMkuF~4MLJc4bhjxwxXxNkAGyQSjzL9hLGRpirDVOj6K5oWuxJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-02T16:21:18.467Z","article","The Columbia County Planning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning that would change roughly 10.62 acres near Ridge Road from split C-2/R-4 to S-1 (special) to allow a proposed boat and RV storage facility. The decision came despite staff recommendation of disapproval and substantial neighborhood opposition.

Will (planning staff) summarized the application and said staff recommended disapproval. Staff noted the parcel sits on the edge of the Lake Neighborhood area on the county's future land-use map, and staff's view was that boat and RV storage has generally located closer to the lake and in community crossroads rather than inside Lake Neighborhood parcels; staff recommended disapproval for consistency with the existing development pattern.

Applicant representative Jacob Glover (Meister and Marbin LLC) and owner Mary Godwin argued the parcel aligns with existing development patterns at the periphery, proposed a Class A facility with covered and enclosed storage (about 70,000 square feet of covered storage), and said they had conducted community outreach. Glover said the development would generate \"less than 100\" vehicle trips per day and proposed mitigation including downward-directed LED lighting, motion sensors, landscaping buffers, a coded gated access system, and 24/7 cameras. He also said the project would be a Class A development intended to raise aesthetics.

Multiple neighborhood residents urged disapproval on safety grounds. John Bridal, who said his property borders the proposal, told the commission the primary neighborhood concern was safety and that the Ridge Road/Washington Road intersection and the hill approaching it create a blind spot that makes large trailers and campers difficult to pull onto Washington Road. Julie Harrison and other residents described a petition opposing the rezoning (the speakers said the petition had 170 signatures at one point and later reported 207), described Ridge Road as narrow and winding, and warned of traffic-safety risks.

After extended public comment the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning file RZ25-53 (rezoning a portion off Ridge Road to S-1). The vote was recorded as a voice vote and the motion carried. The item will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025.05.01 Columbia County Planning Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The commission voted to recommend rezoning about 10.62 acres near Ridge Road from split C-2/R-4 to S-1 special for a proposed Class A boat and RV storage facility after extensive public comment opposing the proposal.","taxTitle","Columbia County, Georgia","taxId",12804,"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},6253520,"Commission recommends rezoning for White Oak Technology Park (data center) after wide-ranging technical discussion",838,1369000,2207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0&start=1369&end=2207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0/thumbnail_1369000.jpg","/articles/6253520/Columbia-County/Georgia/Commission-recommends-rezoning-for-White-Oak-Technology-Park-data-center-after-wide-ranging-technical-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253520-161b8c7dc2454d6d2604c46b0dcfbc51/orig.mp4?Expires=1770967483&Signature=G336W5VNSl~AKqdLQB9vhIy6MGMZQgdHlDRth36sY9WnG4KhuIN9BWuF~maHqNhH8PWihWXr4hKFpRtn87Jlh~bNSrW1MuAF0qYj4GqBku6DMyMk-XX1AY7U-sLKXts5mKgJd89DAv89jpc43hvLjs~9EKZ3f1EId1aIZ9lXJAvJTtcxilZYvt7S4-aljdfHNuDZ7iB3H09OMptdgbdT~qHwHmmPif-AKA3qLs2~qIlU3wSxpf3ZXyiCXIoR7YJnD0TuY-nU5mnNqdAcUIw-b5Cze2~nmPEIB~BVGhma3Hg3XECQhjioRAxmHB5uVoFEJBW0KseZiAxHl~wNC4HuBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request to reclassify multiple parcels to S-1 (special) for the proposed White Oak Technology Park, a large technology/data-center development presented by the Development Authority and the landowner.

Staff framed the project as a very large development spanning multiple parcels along I-20 and Innovation Parkway. The presentation described the project as consisting of multiple building \"pods\" — roughly two to six buildings per pod — with individual buildings approximately 250,000 square feet each, substations adjacent to buildings, and emergency access points from Forest Calloway and White Oak Road restricted to emergency use. Staff said the development crosses character areas on the future land-use map and noted a proposed 500-foot residential building setback along parts of the perimeter.

Chaney Eldridge, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Columbia County, told the commission the authority had targeted data centers as a priority industry and recommended the zoning change to promote economic development and investment. Eldridge said, on taking the job, she was charged to \"find high quality employment opportunities for the County and investment heavy projects\" and that, after visits to data centers and community outreach, the authority identified data centers as a suitable use for the property.

Staff discussed infrastructure concerns at scale: in an absolute \"worst case scenario\" full build-out could use up to about 6,000,000 gallons of water per day, staff said, but also described phasing and alternative cooling approaches. Engineer Drew Frederick said there are cooling alternatives and that typically about \"70% of the water gets evaporated as part of the evaporative cooling system\" and \"about 30% of it would go ... to a cistern or to a pond\" for reuse. Frederick also said operational employment would be modest compared with construction: roughly \"about 50 people per building.\" Traffic analysis was described as in progress but staff said existing nearby uses (an Amazon facility referenced by staff) generate more traffic than the proposed technology park's operations would at full build-out.

Public questions focused on water sources (the county currently pulls from the river for the portion discussed), noise from backup generators and chillers, and nighttime lighting. Staff and applicants acknowledged those concerns and said they expected to address many of them in later site-plan detail and through covenants; staff noted the Development Authority owns the property, which could allow additional covenants or conditions.

After discussion the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning file RZ25-52 for the White Oak Technology Park. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action.","The Planning Commission recommended rezoning multiple parcels to an S-1 special district for the proposed White Oak Technology Park, a large-scale technology/data center project presented by the Development Authority and landowner representatives.",{"_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},6253525,"Planning Commission backs rezoning for 515 North Bel Air Road but rejects requested variances",169,340000,509000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0&start=340&end=509","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0/thumbnail_340000.jpg","/articles/6253525/Columbia-County/Georgia/Planning-Commission-backs-rezoning-for-515-North-Bel-Air-Road-but-rejects-requested-variances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253525-d240afd6fa33051fe2004b2687a018d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770967483&Signature=dGoFqM6JCQ5C80UZeFx5CeJjC7-VJM3fb0DbDJavgydKipqG6Oi3xAZ3lTTqivy2taq9Xnw~o-snJP7hspTKFctQMy7Io3BGmE0mpixJaVXM0rc6EjpaaB8TD2TiC2f-Fi6~YhiT~Dg-4xW5iZQT4RWRvIh3Fv1Kik8HYDL1eDwPgwF5kQ~bqFJuSZu~S3s00aLn9P8Uo48ooWr-pnVMQ3SKFUUZD40GkWJQoFwUTB99Bjtrd~Hw1eKggKICzVbD1XF6IMkkRCdTjcjND7ms5aZwLVy8j-0yLqRikKa7Hs5lFn7Az5OBf03e8WCASaorRqJA5uKzsERCirEUA1ckFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request that would consolidate a split zone at 515 North Bel Air Road to C-2, but the commission recommended disapproval of related variance requests addressing drive-through placement and a maximum front setback.

Will (planning staff) presented the request and said staff recommended approval of the rezoning to C-2, noting the property sits in an Evans Town Center character area and that consistent zoning across the parcel would simplify future development. Gerald Chichester, attorney for applicant Evans Out Parcel Station LLC, said the applicants had worked with staff and distinguished the rezoning from the separate variance requests.

Gerald Chichester, attorney for the applicant, told the commission, \"we respectfully submit that we do meet the criteria for a variance.\" Engineer Joel Dolly Carpini said the bank drive-through shown on the plan functions as an ATM and that stacking capacity is approximately \"2\" cars. Developer Quinn Gatto of Phillips Edison and Company said the team had reduced the number of variance requests after about a year of coordination and that landscaping and screening are proposed to address visibility.

Staff opposed the variances, citing topography and the site's current scraped condition and saying there was no constraint forcing the development to the requested layout. Staff also flagged Evans Town Center design requirements that aim to limit highly visible elements such as enlarged ponds at the principal corner.

The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning file RZ250501 (515 North Bel Air Road). On the associated variance application (VA205501) — which asked to allow a drive-through between a building and the public road and to remove the maximum front setback on part of the site — the commission voted to recommend disapproval. The transcript records voice votes and the motions carried; no roll-call tallies were recorded.

The rezoning recommendation and the variance recommendation will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action.","The commission recommended rezoning the split-zoned parcel at 515 North Bel Air Road to C-2 but voted to recommend disapproval of two variance requests tied to the same application.",{"_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},6253528,"Planning Commission approves final plats for two subdivisions and grants massage-operator license",53,176000,229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0&start=176&end=229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3180394-5b1c3301d78a6a27fea04a6173d52eb0/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6253528/Columbia-County/Georgia/Planning-Commission-approves-final-plats-for-two-subdivisions-and-grants-massage-operator-license","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253528-c100ca81373f63d923fb6bcd5686e93a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770967483&Signature=GH~wvq0cHmq2j~ctOaltslhOEksJCBitDT4aJXvU-TOJK2a92nln4vJaflI05EIoLZOecMlFWLftLi1X0ee~DGLTw3gz3EpB5LddOEc6vsZHKRTwD2YZ~DPKYpVq7sHhd58IqpacnoYcHAouGJgSOx-S0ceKCc3go-IeXEEfavdbDFg7xZl1t0b9AEbGsq~GnumbXWvq7HoDFDUjT~UJ5D2UPVudehognZmg4xJ4tymhd3cDFuoO5Ogwym7NxyUb9Y6s4hc1bwiR1~FHAz-BX8cD2ZzAAPA-nwJx8f4pSL9hZPzi4Q7XolYRKu-8wlMdbPcL4Gv~q47dL0kzB3rnYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia County Planning Commission on an evening meeting approved final plats for Highland Lakes West Section 1 and Rabbit Run Phase 2 and granted a massage-operator license for Awaken Renewed LLC.

The Highland Lakes West Section 1 final plat covers a subdivision off William Few Parkway that will create 55 single-family residential lots. County staff said the smallest lots meet the R-2 zoning minimum of 10,000 square feet, with an average lot size of 10,676 square feet. Required setbacks described in the presentation are 55 feet from the centerline of the roadway and 10 feet from side and rear property lines; this section includes about 0.92 acres of open space. Staff recommended approval and the commission voted in favor by voice vote.

The commission also approved the final plat for Rabbit Run Phase 2, the western portion of a larger development off Cobham Road. Staff described Phase 2 as six larger residential acreage lots with a minimum lot size of 5.07 acres and an average lot size of about 12.5 acres; a seventh lot is reserved for an existing cemetery. Access will use existing road frontage or shared easement and no new public infrastructure was required. Required setbacks listed were 125 feet from the centerline of Cobham Road, 10 feet from side property lines and 25 feet from rear property lines. Staff recommended approval and the commission approved the plat by voice vote.

Separately, the commission granted a massage-operator license for Awaken Renewed LLC to operate at 3685 Riverwatch Parkway, Suite 105. Staff confirmed the location meets the ordinance requirements and the commission approved the license.

The approvals were routine voice votes; no recorded roll-call tallies were provided in the meeting transcript. The final plats will proceed to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners where rezoning/plat approvals that require final action will be heard on the schedule advertised by the county.","The Columbia County Planning Commission voted to approve final plats for Highland Lakes West Section 1 and Rabbit Run Phase 2 and granted a massage-operator license to Awaken Renewed LLC.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Despite strong neighborhood opposition, Planning Commission recommends approval for Ridge Road boat and RV storage rezoning

Commission recommends rezoning for White Oak Technology Park (data center) after wide-ranging technical discussion

Planning Commission backs rezoning for 515 North Bel Air Road but rejects requested variances

Planning Commission approves final plats for two subdivisions and grants massage-operator license