Engineer Scott Burns scales down auto repair shop plans to address community concerns

Liberty County is set to welcome a new auto repair shop following a recent government meeting where community concerns were addressed and a revised plan was presented. The proposal, which initially included boat and RV storage, has been scaled down to focus solely on a small auto repair facility designed to employ three to four local families and generate revenue for the county.

During the meeting, the project engineer, Scott Burns, confirmed that discussions with the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) indicated that the new design would not require a right turn lane, as the anticipated traffic from the shop is minimal—approximately 60 vehicles per day. This adjustment aims to alleviate previous safety concerns regarding larger vehicles making U-turns on the highway.

The decision to eliminate the boat and RV storage was made to enhance safety and reduce traffic complications. The shop's owner emphasized his commitment to working with the community and ensuring that the business would not contribute to local traffic issues. He also assured that waste disposal, including old tires and fluids, would be managed through contracts with disposal companies to prevent any accumulation on-site.

The revised plan received positive feedback from the board, which had previously tabled the proposal due to safety concerns. The owner expressed gratitude for the community's input and reiterated that the primary goal remains to establish a functional and safe auto repair shop.

As Liberty County moves forward with this project, residents can expect not only improved local services but also potential job opportunities, reinforcing the community's economic growth. The next steps will involve finalizing the necessary permits and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations as the project progresses.