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Planning commission recommends approval for Grama Community Church conditional use at former Oakland Opry site
Summary
The Jones County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the commissioners approve a conditional use permitting Grama Community Church to use an existing building for religious assembly at a 22.23-acre rural residential site; the final decision will be made by the county commissioners on July 1.
The Jones County Planning and Zoning Commission on June 24 voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permitting Grama Community Church to use an existing building for religious assembly at the former Oakland Opry site, described in the record as 215 Old Highway 18 East.
Pastor Josh Echols said the church began two years ago, now meets at Knox Auditorium and "we run about 280 people on a Sunday now." He told the commission the church serves many young families and children and plans to use the existing building for worship, children's ministry and a few staff offices. "We want to know God and make God known," Echols said, describing community outreach such as an Easter egg drop the congregation held.
Property owner TJ Heath, who said he owns the subject parcel, told the commission he has consulted neighbors about the plan and that the site connects to commercial development Landmark Construction has been leading near the bypass. Heath said the church's use would be concentrated on Sundays and that he and the church will follow required building codes during renovation. "We would have to follow all the... rules for building permits," he said, and added the church is keeping the project below square footage thresholds that would require sprinklers.
Several community members spoke in support, including Wesley Ransom, who identified himself as working with the sheriff's office and as a church member, and Greg Mullis, who said he is involved in economic development and the development authority. Supporters described the church's local roots and volunteer activities; one speaker said the congregation has seen a number of new commitments to faith since its founding.
A board member moved to recommend approval; the commission voted in favor. The presiding officer noted the commission's action is a recommendation and the county commissioners will make the final decision at their July 1 meeting in the same room.
The transcript records discussion of code compliance, parking plans and exterior renovations but does not record final building-permit conditions or a timeline for renovation; the church indicated renovations will be coordinated with Landmark Construction and will comply with county and state codes.
