Long County approves telecom tower permit and rezones 14.34 acres for apartments; larger rezoning tabled pending wetlands work

Long County commissioners approved a conditional-use permit for a telecommunications tower and rezoned a 14.34-acre parcel for multi-family housing during a public hearing and regular meeting on Dec. 3, 2024, in Ludowici.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Jessica P. Smith presented Conditional Use Application CU-024-004 and said the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval; the board voted to approve the application unanimously. Jessica P. Smith also presented Rezoning Request Z-024-006 to rezone 14.34 acres (tax/map parcel 004-029) from AF (Agricultural Forestry) to MFR (Multi-Family Residential). The board approved that rezoning unanimously.

John Kuhaneck of Maybank Partners said the 14.34-acre rezoning is an extension of a previously approved development adjacent to the property. During the public hearing, David Kirk raised concerns about wetlands on the site and said a study was performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The board also heard a separate rezoning request, Z-024-007, to rezone 34.73 acres (tax/map parcel 066-001-001) from AF to RR (Rural Residential) for one-acre-or-larger single-family lots. Jessica P. Smith reviewed the Planning and Zoning Board''s recommendation for that item and John Kuhaneck described project plans. Multiple adjoining property owners voiced concerns about drainage, wetlands, road upkeep, additional traffic and the effect of added population on local services. In response to those concerns, the board voted to table Z-024-007 until a wetland study is completed and/or wetlands are delineated if needed.

Why it matters: rezoning from agricultural to multi-family or rural residential changes both development density and public-service demands. The approved 14.34-acre rezoning clears the way for multi-family units adjacent to an existing development; the larger 34.73-acre proposal is paused while potential wetlands and drainage impacts are clarified.

Next steps: Z-024-007 was tabled pending wetlands delineation or study; the record indicates the board expects the study or delineation before further action. No additional written or verbal public comments were recorded for the approved CU-024-004 and Z-024-006 items.

Meeting context: The board's public hearing preceded the regular meeting; County Clerk Brandi Smiley was absent and Jessica P. Smith filled in for clerk duties during the hearing and meeting.