Commission declines to start abandonment process for two Sandhills-area roads after neighborhood concerns

Augusta commissioners on May 20 declined to begin the legal process that could remove two short public-road segments from the county road system, after a lengthy public exchange among Augusta Country Club officials, neighborhood representatives and cemetery caretakers.

The commission was asked to determine that a roughly 0.07-acre portion of Montgomery Street and a 0.98-acre portion of Johns Road "has ceased to be used by the public" and to set public hearings under OCGA 32-7-2 for possible abandonment and subsequent quick-claim to adjacent owners. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle moved to start the abandonment process; Commissioner Brandon Garrett seconded. The motion failed on roll call, with votes recorded as four in favor, five against and two abstentions.

Why it mattered: Club representatives said abandonment would let them consolidate ownership, resolve longstanding safety concerns from errant golf balls, and fund construction of a new public roadway and parking for the Sandhills cemetery. Opponents and neighborhood leaders said they did not receive direct notice of the plan, raised questions about public access and maintenance, and urged more community meetings before a final decision.

Augusta Country Club representative Matt Mills told the commission the club had purchased neighboring parcels and wanted title for the thin strip of city right-of-way between properties. "We will per we will have it appraised and pay fair market value, and reimburse the city for them giving up title to that land," Mills said. He outlined a plan to build a new public road between Gardner Street and Fenton Street at the club—s expense and to add 10 parking spaces and improved access for the adjacent cemetery.

Joyce Law, curator of the cemetery, urged caution and said Johns Road is the primary access point to the historic site. "Johns Road has been the easiest way to give directions of how to get to the cemetery as well as being its main access point," Law said, adding the cemetery houses historically significant graves and benefits from additional, formal parking.

Opposition came from residents and the Sandhills Neighborhood Association, which said it needed more direct outreach and time to review plans. Victor Thomas, representing the Sandhills Neighborhood Association and Greater Mount Canaan Baptist Church, asked for an opportunity to consider a previously suggested netting option to stop golf balls rather than a road closure.

Legal and process notes: Attorney Plunkett explained the abandonment procedure requires appraisal, public notice and a public hearing; after hearings the commission could decide to proceed or not. The law department will handle publication and notice; the administrator—s office was identified as the likely hearing facilitator if the commission moves forward.

Outcome and next steps: With the motion defeated, the status quo remains. Commissioners said the matter can be brought back to the body in a future meeting after additional outreach; several urged coordinated, direct notices to all affected property owners and continued dialogue between the club and neighbors. The commission also recorded a conflict of interest: one commissioner stated a membership connection to Augusta Country Club and recused himself from the vote.