Planning commission continues hearing on Serenity Lake rezoning after water, lot-size and fire-safety questions

The Hudson County Planning Commission continued the rezoning hearing for REZ202501, a request from 10 Acres Lake LLC (branded in the record as Serenity Lake) to rezone about 266.36 acres on Old Alabama Road and Williams Road from AR (agricultural-residential) to PM (planned master) for a 24-lot residential subdivision with a clubhouse, storage and RV parking.

Commissioners said they did not have enough information on water service, lot size and fire suppression to recommend approval and voted to continue the hearing to a future meeting. A motion to continue passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The proposal would convert a large agricultural parcel near Thomaston into a gated-style subdivision and could change development patterns, public infrastructure needs and tax revenues for Upson County. Neighbors and owners raised questions about floodplain mapping, septic and well systems, and the cost and governance of extending county water.

Developer presentation and claims Dan Springetti, appearing for the ownership/developer team, described the property as "a property of splendor" and said the group envisions a destination-style, low-density residential community with amenities, hiking, kayaking and a clubhouse. Springetti told the commission the team expects about $1,000,000 per year in property tax revenue from the 24 homes under a conservative estimate and that local contractors have already been hired for initial engineering and soil testing.

Owner and builder representatives said they had spent substantial sums on engineering and due diligence. Jim Faulkner, who said he represents the ownership group, said the owners purchased the land after being told by county…