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Columbia County adopts new 20‑year comprehensive plan after heated public comment on data‑center rezonings
Summary
After a consultant presentation and extended public comment focused on recent map changes and data‑center rezonings, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 26‑6, transmitting the "Foundations for the Future" comprehensive plan to regional and state reviewers. Residents urged more outreach, green space and clearer infrastructure projections for large projects.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 17 to adopt Resolution 26‑6, the county’s new comprehensive plan titled "Foundations for the Future," after a consultant presentation and extended public comment focused on recent map changes and data‑center rezonings.
Consultant Carrie Papelbon, representing the planning firm listed in the presentation materials, told the board the plan is intended as a 20‑year “road map” and a policy guide rather than zoning. She described a 12‑month process that included three waves of public engagement — kickoff events, visioning workshops and public review — and said the project website, interactive map and pop‑ups drew substantial interest. “This is your road map for how to proceed into the future,” Papelbon said during her presentation.
Many residents, however, told the board the outreach did not reflect how the character map changed during the process. Lee Munn, a longtime resident who…
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