Glynn County approves abandonment of 10-foot alley easement on St. Simons Island with utility and drainage easements retained

The Glynn County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 6 approved abandonment AB-25-10, which removes a 10-foot unimproved alley segment on the southwest boundary of parcel 04-03078 (4213 11th Street, St. Simons Island), with conditions to preserve utility and drainage access.

Jason Hartman, Glynn County engineering director, told the board that staff found the portion of the easement had "been used as it currently is for several years" but that the accessory building's decking encroaches into the alley. Hartman said the area proposed for abandonment "is what's in red. It's a 10 foot wide, easement," and that the owner has agreed to remove the decking so the property will meet setback requirements if the abandonment is approved.

Hartman also reported that "Georgia Power would, like to maintain an easement over the entire abandoned area as well as our Glynn County Public Works for drainage would like to have an easement over the entire area." There were no public comments during the comment period.

Commissioner Sherwin said he had visited the site with applicant representatives and had "no issue in supporting it, as presented." The motion approved by the board required Glynn County Public Works to retain a drainage easement along the entire abandoned area, Georgia Power to be granted an easement along the entire area, and that the accessory building be modified to meet setback requirements (the decking removed).

The abandonment returns the land to the property owner for tax digest purposes while preserving easements for utilities and county drainage. The commission recorded the approval by motion and second during the meeting; individual roll-call votes were not listed in the public transcript.