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Cochran council unanimously extends Patel liquor-license deadline six months, citing DOT, utility delays
Summary
Council voted unanimously to give developer Bobby Patel a six-month extension to meet a liquor-store opening requirement after the Patels cited 18-month Georgia DOT delays and Georgia Power issues; city staff said the extension moves the deadline to Jan. 30, 2026.
The Cochran City Council voted unanimously to grant a six-month extension to developer Bobby Patel on a liquor-license opening requirement, extending the deadline from July 30, 2025, to January 30, 2026.
Mayor Billy Yeomans said the item was moved to the special meeting because of scheduling and summarized Patel's submitted timeline. Bobby Patel and Jay Patel attended to answer council questions; Jay Patel said the contractor indicated the liquor-store portion could potentially open before work on the gas station and convenience store is complete.
Council Member Shane Savant reviewed the timeline history and told the council the notification letter enforcing a one-year opening requirement was not sent until June 6, 2024, six months into the 12-month window; he said that delay and extended Georgia Department of Transportation approval timelines (about 18 months) factored into his view that this extension should be final. Council Member Carla Coley apologized to the Patels and acknowledged the city's mistake in notification timing.
City Manager Richard Newbern said Georgia DOT and Georgia Power approvals significantly delayed the project; Newbern also clarified the current extension expiration (July 30, 2025) and that a six-month extension would set a new deadline of January 30, 2026. Council Member Gary Ates moved to grant the extension; Lonnie Tedders seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The extension is administrative relief tied to the developer's construction schedule; the council did not attach additional conditions in the recorded motion.
