Planning commission forwards PDO for 'David in Ohio' to city council

The Augusta Planning Commission voted to forward a preliminary plan development overlay for case 2025-19 (described in the meeting as the PDO for property at 'David in Ohio') to the city council for final action.

Staff recommended approving the preliminary PDO as the final PDO to allow the administrative protest period to run and to expedite final action by year-end. "The reason that staff is recommending to move forward with the prelim as the final PDO at this time is there will be a 14 day protest period after approval by the planning commission," Staff member (S3) said, adding that the city council is scheduled to hear the PDO on Dec. 1 and the rezone on Nov. 17.

The applicant confirmed ownership arrangements and timing. "We do have a legal contract that is binding with the, current owner, Whitaker," said Owen Sheckley of Pen Oaks Investment, LLC, who told the commission the owner and representatives have been notified as part of the public-notification process. He said a closing was being targeted for December and that construction could move forward around March depending on financing and RHID petition approvals.

Commissioner (S4) moved to approve the document previously reviewed and forward the recommendation of approval to the city council; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will appear on the city council agenda for final consideration on Dec. 1, 2025. A 14-day protest period will follow the commission’s action before the city council hearing.