[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511038,"mediaKeyId","5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2","parentId",5339465,"title","Commissioners award fire-hydrant flow testing contract to Georgia Hydrant after earlier contractor terminated","audioSeconds",64,"startMs",3862000,"endMs",3926000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2&start=3862&end=3926","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2/thumbnail_3862000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511038/Oconee-County/Georgia/Commissioners-award-fire-hydrant-flow-testing-contract-to-Georgia-Hydrant-after-earlier-contractor-terminated","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511038-9378476c458978794de2bb26a90b2a11/orig.mp4?Expires=1770932247&Signature=XHeajUInMKA0T7bCOw-s9M4oPLAnlux32ZItZdBXM9NYwaTlq8e4CZ9XO3Z8QkuzTx~RaA6yBy4V8-WSd37HFvVfGxzQALHBPpK4IGOT6E-cmYxcUHs0E38SMrm76sGYpxZobbKMYq1xUnbzA72wEmFV0C7AloskzG6k9xtbzcPEZy9KKr6zgkxEMtp02l6GoNWjX64GngC9HJY~u~cz96Rfdob2DoXOl0VDRwhj1rI7l8WHZkp6z4LDsE1645a3PBP4cc6IXJCtiZxph3mgOM4cnJLbW8foQDtmxkCB4-0NLfwZ3hMilzvfkW0DIsWmDypMAiAS~tQaeY39QApP1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oconee County","date","2025-07-09T15:02:10Z","article","County staff told the Oconee County Board of Commissioners on July 8 that they had terminated an earlier contractor for the ISO fire-hydrant flow testing and inspection program and requested authorization to award the work to Georgia Hydrant to avoid further delays.

Justin (staff) said staff reviewed the initial contractor’s early work, identified multiple issues and decided to terminate the contract. Staff asked the board to approve a replacement contract with Georgia Hydrant for an amount not to exceed $200,000, covering one year with up to four optional renewals; the approval also included any necessary budget amendments for the contract’s life.

A commissioner moved to approve the award to Georgia Hydrant; the board voted in favor and staff was authorized to proceed. The motion passed by voice vote; the meeting record did not include a roll-call tally. Staff said the change was intended to allow the hydrant project to proceed with minimal disruption following termination of the first contractor.

Why it matters: the hydrant-flow testing program supports the county’s ISO rating and the reliability of fire protection water supply information. A timely replacement contractor is intended to prevent schedule slippage in a service that underpins fire department planning and insurance-rating assessments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOC Regular Meeting July 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After terminating an initial contractor, the board approved a contract not to exceed $200,000 with Georgia Hydrant for ISO fire-hydrant flow testing and inspection, authorizing a one-year term with four renewals and budget adjustments for the contract life.","taxTitle","Oconee County, Georgia","taxId",28542,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511043,"Board approves indoor ‘Village Clubhouse’ entertainment complex at Malcolm Bridge with 10:30 p.m. closing time",336,3617000,3953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2&start=3617&end=3953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2/thumbnail_3617000.jpg","/articles/6511043/Oconee-County/Georgia/Board-approves-indoor-Village-Clubhouse-entertainment-complex-at-Malcolm-Bridge-with-1030-pm-closing-time","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511043-9fc8ad6e87d1ea7319ba390e54b146ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770932247&Signature=mpwzcCYtbjmuiIUnmfWapx1zwUww95wKMyn2fhHIXP15iGJweqeV74se9kP1JXFD~T7xH1CEMDAVWOrP6q56Dsc8MrqGtSVTEmPOIUsEL~Ag~~IyEjFzOgX2TU0L3kaZORyBeBE46ljMOxWXgvk104FRnba4UPjyMRftG4ZGROR4WyRKjKlWEGtlRr2qUqbIo7-Pz-Xq5qtXiqAC-MSNO6dsg7LgZKIBL4d6zQ~oyKuthRY-bqhOWhtfwzJq7Kp45wTiCd58t-7JSicK3S6adhLnCg0cxGKFKUJsAqK2UVpkqPUY1kqJLv1ib8iooOWwxrdYcKOWyPK~1QyfljKAtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oconee County Board of Commissioners approved special-use application P25-0081 on July 8 to allow a fully enclosed family entertainment center — the “Village Clubhouse” — at 2421 Malcolm Bridge Road, subject to standard conditions and an additional operating-hours limit that requires the facility to close by 10:30 p.m.

Staff described the application as a special-use request for “other amusement and recreation uses” under the Unified Development Code. The applicant, Lynn Roode Development LLC, presented a concept that retains the existing building on the site and converts it to an indoor entertainment venue with 10 bowling lanes, three golf simulators, an arcade and a full-service restaurant; the project also includes seating and event space the owners said will serve residents of nearby neighborhoods.

Local business owners and project partners spoke in favor. Dawn Brinkley, owner of Small Cakes Cupcakery and Creamery located in the same complex, said the clubhouse would bring more pedestrian traffic to the development and help sustain small, family-owned businesses there. Hank Randolph, the managing broker and a co-owner of the clubhouse project, described a facility positioned toward “nicer finishes” and family-friendly amenities he said would draw local residents and encourage walking from surrounding subdivisions. Naomi Abres, representing a nearby restaurant tenant, said the venue would keep teenagers and families closer to home instead of traveling to barns further afield for similar entertainment.

Board members asked questions about outdoor activities, alcohol service and hours. Applicants confirmed all activities would be indoors and there is no gun range; the restaurant portion would offer beer and wine as allowed under county ordinances. Commissioners and applicants agreed to an added condition that the facility close at 10:30 p.m. on typical nights; applicants reserved the right to request exceptions for special events if necessary and as permitted by applicable alcohol regulations.

The planning commission and staff recommended approval with three standard conditions; the board approved the special-use permit with those conditions plus the hours restriction. The permit allows the entertainment use within existing code requirements; the project will proceed to site development review and permitting under county rules.

Why it matters: the decision authorizes an indoor entertainment and dining venue intended to increase pedestrian activity and business at the Malcolm Bridge commercial complex while restricting late-night operations to address neighborhood concerns.","Commissioners granted a special-use permit for a fully enclosed family entertainment center at Malcolm Bridge (P25-0081) — including bowling, simulators, arcade and a restaurant — with standard site conditions and an added condition limiting operating hours to 10:30 p.m.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511047,"Commissioners approve rezoning for three medical-office buildings on Spartan Lane with road and stormwater conditions",1746,1854000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2&start=1854&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2/thumbnail_1854000.jpg","/articles/6511047/Oconee-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-rezoning-for-three-medical-office-buildings-on-Spartan-Lane-with-road-and-stormwater-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511047-3a467097d6d23b5b659d884d07162f31/orig.mp4?Expires=1770932247&Signature=NBDljPWMqIZ2Jh9q5yhJiyyQMD80HGPMGfnLptOjzy4poy-Ni-S3n95PSqCRbz6FUpQVtC5Lvjzf3Moqu9p3ah13xtsojqEaz5tZ~ptnvHC93SK6sIblgpr4gqYAtbN6DJZ1k1dRy~~0-QQLZrOEIwsJA7NnZkYL1iTGpZ~7OgP1-fL2JxvQwRJYxXKm8NCkEUeF8bWaojGWNqQMJXBpJU-j94PGgBX~E7wA0SbwHKpYvMLNB4zUdv~2n4FKXtOxMMqz84jyn1pe10VUe5UVQKbPWL9AVRaxdf3Qw9xRQ~mzzU912LkeX2bem40A3ugf6vRalgS4g1~MiRk6A1Hm0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oconee County Board of Commissioners approved rezoning request P25-0080 on July 8 to allow OIP (Office/Industrial Park) uses on parcels at 1011 and 1031 Spartan Lane, authorizing up to 20,000 square feet of building area across three medical-office structures under conditions recommended by staff.

Staff recommended conditional approval with standard conditions including design/materials requirements (at least 80% of exterior wall surfaces in brick, stone, veneer or glass), a 1-foot no-access easement along U.S. 441, visual screening of service areas and dumpsters with masonry walls and black-painted metal doors, and a site plan‑specified maximum of 20,000 square feet. The applicant, Manor Holdings LLC, said the parcel is about 2.95 acres and proposed three smaller medical-office buildings consistent with the neighborhood village character area; staff included a traffic study and required improvements to achieve a level-of-service C at studied intersections.

Applicants and local owners said the site fronts a major highway (U.S. 441) and is less suitable for residential use. The project’s traffic study required a left-turn lane into the development on Spartan Lane and a dedicated right-turn slip lane onto U.S. 441; county staff said the left-turn lane would typically provide roughly 150 feet of stacking capacity (about eight cars). The proposed sewer connection would run in a public alignment to the pump station near Athens Academy within the Georgia Department of Transportation right-of-way, per applicant remarks.

Neighbors asked commissioners to consider traffic impacts during school drop-off and pickup times on Spartan Lane (Athens Academy), existing flooding on Spartan Lane, and whether the development would worsen those conditions. John Thorson, head of school at Athens Academy, asked for attention to potential backups during drop-off and to local flooding history. Applicant representatives and staff responded that the left-turn lane and slip lane are intended to reduce existing congestion and that the site’s pond and stormwater controls would direct runoff away from Spartan Lane; the applicant also noted county stormwater standards must be met and that the required updated traffic study prior to development would capture any additional impacts.

Commissioners voted to approve the rezoning with the staff-recommended conditions. The approval includes obligations for the owner to submit a recombination plat, comply with the concept plan and site-development requirements, provide the required traffic improvements at the owner’s expense, and screen service areas. The planning commission had recommended approval with the same conditions.

Why it matters: approval clears the way for smaller medical-office development along the growing U.S. 441 corridor, with county-imposed roadway and stormwater improvements intended to address school-hour traffic and existing drainage concerns.","The board approved rezoning P25-0080 to allow up to 20,000 square feet of medical-office uses on about 2.95 acres at Spartan Lane and U.S. 441, contingent on traffic and site standards including a left-turn lane, right-slip lane and screened service areas.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511050,"Oconee commissioners decline rezoning near Bell Road after dozen residents oppose CK Capital plan",3139,1109000,4248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2&start=1109&end=4248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2/thumbnail_1109000.jpg","/articles/6511050/Oconee-County/Georgia/Oconee-commissioners-decline-rezoning-near-Bell-Road-after-dozen-residents-oppose-CK-Capital-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511050-3706e8e397cdf69f6280cbb66e7e552e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770932247&Signature=niDZ38cZXLtc4zUwqD~5Scba02G5~lB-hgh2ffp4MEI1ApDPqEKszXofNDb-gSTl9Kr29t7IuNpwyhgDmz3L8QGBRjKL4H4j9Z71XQCunMEZGJQYbH2X9SD3HVRO~bHX4k1NxSs9-Nldv5QQ276bz8P8YJIRlDNwhMmjysw8OMhGxV1qgVKIwVnLD8-lSWDh8Iv1z5jvpB1o5LxuCs5IWtU6OhcYm-ks53NwHGY1fXYCdZZsEcH-fr4fAM6Lf4MzoqiVbLlutUd2UamEnI7M9Y~20UfjDXE44mIaiCfuNR861DswYevRrFUiAXjwJHGYb-3IVs-wMPYlPm0eBjcNXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oconee County Board of Commissioners voted July 8 to deny rezoning request P25-0079 from CK Capital LLC after multiple residents described traffic, noise, light and stormwater concerns and urged the board to preserve the area as residential.

County staff presented the petition as a rezoning request for property in the Marsh Hill/Bell Road area; staff recommended conditional approval subject to standard conditions and site-specific requirements including a traffic impact statement and materials standards. The planning commission had also recommended approval with an added condition requiring a 50-foot buffer and an 8-foot privacy fence along Bell Road adjacent to R-1 properties.

Frank Pittman, the applicant’s representative, said the site would include up to nine lots with a mix of OIP and OBP zoning, that water and sewer are available, and that the applicant was willing to provide an increased 50-foot buffer and an eight-foot opaque fence along the subdivision edge. The applicant said the development would have an estimated build-out value in the “$2.5 to $30 million” range as shown on the concept plan and that on-site stormwater would be toward the opposite side of the property from the subdivision.

Dozens of residents who live behind or adjacent to the site opposed the rezoning at the hearing. Concerns included increased traffic into and out of Bell Road (noting an existing queue at Downs Preschool during drop-off), loss of tree cover and wildlife, heat and light from parking and security lighting, potential for dumpsters and late-night activity, and increased runoff into low-lying backyards. Charles Jones, a resident and local realtor, cited the project’s projected 704 daily trips and warned of safety risks during school-hour traffic. Some residents asked for larger buffers — as much as 100 feet — and placement of parking and dumpsters away from the residential edge.

Pittman and the property owner said they were willing to add screening, move dumpsters, and plant evergreen buffers or berms and that the concept plan limits certain uses along the residential edge (OIP rather than OBP). He also clarified that “gravel storage” on the concept plan was intended as a gravel parking surface for equipment, not retail sales of gravel.

After public comment and a commissioner Q&A on traffic stacking, buffering, and whether deputies currently control traffic at Downs Preschool, Commissioner Aaron moved to decline the rezoning request P25-0079. A second was recorded and the motion carried by voice vote; commissioners did not take a roll-call tally on the record. The motion’s passage means the requested zoning change was denied at this meeting.

Why it matters: the decision preserves the property’s existing zoning for now and reflects commissioners’ responsiveness to concentrated neighborhood opposition on traffic, buffer depth and nighttime impacts. The applicant and neighbors were encouraged to continue discussions; the developer said at the hearing they were open to additional measures if the project is revisited.","The board voted to reject a rezoning request from CK Capital LLC after strong neighborhood opposition over buffers, noise, light, traffic and stormwater; the developer had offered a 50-foot buffer and an eight-foot opaque fence but residents said that was insufficient.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511055,"Oconee residents press commissioners for stop signs, expedited roundabout after fatal crash on Cullum Ferry Road",387,379000,766000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2&start=379&end=766","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339465-547d7c4b8617a1b95c0401e250caf6b2/thumbnail_379000.jpg","/articles/6511055/Oconee-County/Georgia/Oconee-residents-press-commissioners-for-stop-signs-expedited-roundabout-after-fatal-crash-on-Cullum-Ferry-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511055-d9ec9eeaa6f34f81009a12a72784794d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770932247&Signature=mtoBKebcEfa3SjN687LrT5c5-z-6AyziAt1MsS6hEQY1RJVdq62xpV9J8yzifE373YAwkUhQNr61yF5yM5Cszkl~EecRZLRRxS1ZnHroW7lIe~wBt2uHPcHk~lh9ft8L-KZvf6ct5cAwkXmGBl0XjX5ZnHaQJ-GqW2mNsT123fDmh8Q2GsDP-z5L8DEPNuZIt7UE5BI3wLm7WDwNHDXhgouaXP2K00spZH9~bACM2138tv0EQmiJ~Z3mCHP7YPqcymvJilP9-knWLBcqt~ZHvlbnx9wV4B-wIuf5qGYBsekCXSNuoCOAITwqi1tmS--q~AW731~PdN~KnS88jsTBhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff Morgan and his wife, Jenny Morgan, urged the Oconee County Board of Commissioners on July 8 to add two stop signs at the intersection of Cullum Ferry Road and Assondale and to expedite a planned roundabout after a fatal crash earlier this year.

Jeff Morgan, who identified himself as a Cullum Ferry resident, said the June 24 crash at about 4:24 a.m. involved his neighbor and left the neighbor’s car destroyed and the occupant hospitalized. “We need to have the 4 way stop there. I know the rotary is in the plan…We need to have the 4 way stop there,” Morgan said. He asked the board to “expedite the roundabout.”

Jenny Morgan, who described herself as the victim’s neighbor and the mother of the person killed earlier on that same road, said she has seen some improvements from county crews but said they are not sufficient. She asked commissioners to commission a traffic study of the road segment and to consider lowering the speed limit to 45 mph on Cullum Ferry Road, and she requested the roundabout or road segment be named “William E. Morgan Memorial Highway” or “William E. Morgan Memorial Roundabout.”

Why it matters: residents said the intersection is on a stretch where drivers accelerate and collisions are more likely than at nearby intersections. Speakers told the board they have seen property damage, two recent injuries, and continuing safety risks. Morgan said standard crash statistics undercount the problem because nearby intersections have heavier but slower traffic that masks risks on Cullum Ferry.

County staff and commissioners did not take immediate action from the public-comment podium; residents asked specifically for short-term traffic calming (stop signs) while the longer-term roundabout is completed and for a formal traffic study of the segment. Jenny Morgan noted existing communications with county staff about interim safety measures and expressed appreciation for some improvements already made.

The speakers’ requests included both near-term measures (two additional stop signs to create a four-way stop) and longer-range actions (expediting construction of a roundabout and lowering the posted speed). The board did not announce a decision at the meeting; staff follow-up and any formal traffic-calming request or ordinance change would require later action or staff direction.","Two residents urged Oconee County commissioners to add stop signs and speed up construction of a roundabout at the Cullum (Cullin) Ferry Road–Assondale intersection after recent crashes, and requested a traffic study and a memorial designation for the site.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners award fire-hydrant flow testing contract to Georgia Hydrant after earlier contractor terminated

Board approves indoor ‘Village Clubhouse’ entertainment complex at Malcolm Bridge with 10:30 p.m. closing time

Commissioners approve rezoning for three medical-office buildings on Spartan Lane with road and stormwater conditions

Oconee commissioners decline rezoning near Bell Road after dozen residents oppose CK Capital plan

Oconee residents press commissioners for stop signs, expedited roundabout after fatal crash on Cullum Ferry Road