Residents describe deteriorated conditions on Ellijay Road and ask for county help; one resident reports large-scale alleged fraud

During the public-comment period, three residents described problems affecting their neighborhoods and asked for help from the county.

Anita Lewis spoke on behalf of Ellijay Road residents and presented photographs showing properties without power or functioning septic systems, widespread trash, and a safety incident in which she said she found a used needle inside a McDonald's cup among litter. Lewis asked the board to help address conditions that she said lower property values and endanger residents.

Matt Jackson reported what he described as a serious, potentially large-scale fraud that had drained tens of millions of dollars entrusted to an individual. Jackson said he had filed police reports and was working with regulators; he asked the board to coordinate county law enforcement with regulatory agencies and to consider establishing a local task group or liaison to assist affected residents.

Sandra Stager described conditions at 90 Team Hollow, saying squatters had lived without utilities for more than five years, with overflowing trash, aggressive dogs that have attacked livestock and threatened children, ongoing burning of plastic with chemical odors, generator noise from late afternoon into early morning, and bright floodlights. She also raised concerns about waste running into local waterways and the inability of families with young children to safely use their yards.

The board listened to the comments during the public-comment period; no immediate enforcement action was announced on the record at the meeting, though staff and commissioners discussed follow-up channels and resources.