The Columbia County Board of Commissioners denied a variance request to allow for a Parker’s Kitchen at the intersection of Columbia Road and Lewiston Road to be open 24/7.
The vote came after commissioners heard from Beth Connell, who was against the request. She said she’s not against all variances as long as there is a clear need for it. However, she doesn’t see a clear need for the Parker’s Kitchen to be open 24/7.
“I don’t believe that by closing during those hours that we deprive the establishment of the use of the land,” Connell said. “In fact, I would argue that Lewiston Express operating on the opposite corner, in full compliance with the ordinances for a significant amount of time and therefore they were able to make themselves a valued business…If companies want to establish a business here, they should be required to follow our rules.”
Commissioners did approve a variance request for the Lewiston Road property for buffers and screening regarding the Parker’s Kitchen on Lewiston Road. Deputy County Manager Matt Schlachter said the applicant is looking to tie into Lewiston Road and to make the tie in work, they are asking for a buffer variance.
Commissioners also approved three requests to withdraw items without prejudice. Two involved 5607 Columbia Road, where the applicant wanted to put a Circle K gas station, with one being a rezoning request and the other being a variance request. The third withdraw request was for the conditional use for a bed and breakfast at 635 at River Pines Drive. Because the requests were without prejudice, the items could come back before the commissioners if the applicants chose to do so.
Commissioners approved a motion to deny a request for rezoning from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to C-C (Community Commercial) and a motion to deny a request for variances for 170 South Belair Road. These requests were for a Parker’s Kitchen convenience store to go at that location.
A request for a variance to 210 Meridian Drive, which is the Chick-fil-A in Grovetown, was approved. Schlachter said they are looking to redo the flow of traffic into the restaurant. They would like to extend the canopy, which would allow for more drive-thru lanes and provide cover for employees.
“I will say as a frequent flyer to this location, it is very congested and that would be good to access to (the restaurant),” said District 4 Commissioner Alison Couch.
The commissioners also approved a proclamation recognizing the state championships of the Augusta Christian Schools boys basketball team, baseball team and cheer team during the 2022-23 school year.
“We are very thankful to be here tonight to be recognized,” said Les Walden, head of school. “Thank you to the commissioners here who chose to do this, thank you for what you’ve done to do this. The students at Augusta Christian Schools make up students from a wide area. However, the majority of our students do come from Columbia County, so these are your neighbors here, these are the students that help make this county what it is. We thank you for recognizing us here tonight. Congratulations everyone up here.”
Commissioners also approved several items regarding the hospital coming to Columbia County, including the development agreement between AU Medical Center, Inc. and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the form of the intergovernmental contract with the Columbia County Hospital Authority and resolution 23-42 authorizing, approving and providing for the execution and delivery of a development agreement with AU Medical Center, Inc. and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and an intergovernmental contract with the Columbia County Hospital Authority. County Attorney Chris Driver said the agreement is conditioned upon the deal with Wellstar going through.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
