Neighbors push back as commission recommends rezoning for Legion Drive 'glamping' site

The Columbia County Planning Commission recommended approval on Aug. 6 of a rezoning request to convert 250 Legion Drive from R-2 to S-1 to permit a glamping campground, but the proposal drew extensive public opposition centered on flooding, wildlife and traffic.

Staff member Dylan described a densely wooded, undeveloped parcel that would host about 12 domed glamping units on raised decks and noted a required crossing of a small dam on the access drive. "The applicant has gathered letters of support from all of the residents up and down Legion Drive itself," Dylan said, and staff recommended approval with a condition from Fire that either guardrails or lighting be provided along the dam crossing to protect emergency responders. Applicant representative Robert Titus told the commission the project is "minimally invasive" and said the owner intends to keep the site "as natural as possible" with raised decks and limited grading.

Neighbors urged the commission to deny the rezoning. Janice Hanley, who said she has lived on Legion Drive for more than 30 years, warned: "That area floods. It is a marshland, and that creek turns into a river," and argued the development would displace wildlife and increase fire risk. Other neighbors raised traffic and safety concerns tied to the narrow access drive and to previous flooding events. Commissioners noted the concept plan shows the 100-year floodplain and a separate floodway; the applicant and staff said the glamping sites would avoid the floodway and that a 20-foot landscape buffer around the perimeter would be required. After discussion and questions from commissioners, a motion to recommend approval of RZ260802 (rezoning from R-2 to S-1 for a glamping campground at 250 Legion Drive) carried by voice vote. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on Aug. 18.