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Residents, physician urge commissioners to block proposed RV park near Thompson Town Road
Summary
Neighbors and Dr. Fred Obrecht told the board the proposed RV park by Tommy Hobbs would bring noise, light, traffic and devalue nearby properties; speakers urged the board and planning board to reject or scrutinize the rezoning application.
Several residents and a long‑time county physician told the Columbus County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 3 they oppose a proposed RV park on Thompson Town Road and asked the board to consider rejecting the project or require the developer to present detailed plans to the planning board.
Fred Obrecht, a physician who said he has worked in Columbus County for 40 years, told the commissioners he is "90% finished" building his retirement home on Thompson Town Road and that the proposed park would be about 230–350 yards from his driveway and house. Obrecht said the project — proposed by Tommy Hobbs — would bring increased traffic of 30‑ to 40‑foot tow vehicles, more nighttime noise and light, and he predicted "a 10 to 15% decrease in our property values" in a neighborhood that residents value for its rural character. He said he had discussed concerns with the developer but urged commissioners to consider not approving the rezoning and to bring concerns to the planning board.
Ricky Boswell, who also lives on Thompson Town Road, said the neighborhood already has three mobile‑home parks and a nearby landfill and argued the area does not need more transient parks, citing concerns about trash and traffic. Robert Lashley added personal complaints about the proposed developer's upkeep and livestock control, saying he has "no confidence" the developer would maintain an RV park in a way that would be suitable for neighbors.
None of the speakers reported a formal project plan or presented a developer response at the hearing; multiple speakers asked the board to encourage the developer to appear before the planning board. The transcript shows the public comment occurred while the rezoning was working its way through the planning board; the board recommended that public commenters also present their concerns at the planning board meeting.
What happens next: The rezoning and site plans remain with the planning board for review; the commissioners recorded public opposition and recommended residents bring the same testimony to the planning board.
