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Residents voice mixed views on proposed West Wind/Westwood project; commissioners urged to gather more facts
Summary
Speakers at Bryan County’s public comment session urged commissioners both to examine potential risks tied to West Wind/Westwood projects (including references to federal cases) and to consider local economic opportunities; citizens also pressed for a countywide historic preservation ordinance and asked for leniency in a local code enforcement matter.
A packed public‑comment session at the Bryan County Board meeting featured multiple residents urging caution about proposed large industrial projects and others urging commissioners to consider potential economic benefits.
Floyd Harvin, a Richmond Hill resident and retired Air Force colonel, said he came to ask technical questions about the facility and urged commissioners to ‘‘give them a chance to explain and answer all your questions before you make a decision,’’ noting concerns about transport of materials and national security implications. Trey Bragg, a Richmond Hill father, spoke in support of Westwood Elements (the company associated with the project), citing local job and training opportunities and saying he found nothing in public records that ‘‘turned me off’’ the company.
Commissioners and staff acknowledged there are federal cases related to the developer in other states; the chair noted those federal cases are being litigated and said a fuller, scheduled agenda presentation would allow commissioners time to prepare questions. Several citizens pressed for a county historic preservation ordinance and asked the board to act on it quickly; Amy Mitchell said she had collected a large online petition and offered a draft ordinance she had written for the board to consider.
Other public commenters asked the board to exercise discretion in a local code enforcement situation involving a structure built by a young resident (Cody Schumann), with neighbors both urging enforcement and requesting leniency. The board closed the public comments portion and proceeded to executive session for litigation and personnel matters.
The public comments do not represent board positions; commissioners indicated they may schedule a future agenda item or workshop to receive a formal presentation from the company and to review legal or technical materials before acting.
Representative quotes • Floyd Harvin: "I just wanna encourage you guys to give them a chance to explain and answer all your questions before you make a decision." • Trey Bragg: "I'm very much in support of Westwood Elements. I think that there is a future there."
What’s next: Commissioners suggested scheduling a formal presentation or placing the project on a future agenda so staff and the board can vet legal filings, technical materials and community impacts before any regulatory action.
