The Columbia County Board of Commissioners denied a rezoning request for a proposed convenience store with fuel pumps on Appling Harlem Road during the meeting on Tuesday, April 2.
Commissioner Doug Duncan moved that Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle had some concerns about the traffic.
“DOT has fully authority to approve access off of Appling Harlem Road,” said Deputy County Manager Matt Schlachter “DOT had concerns as well, they were showing a right in, right out. They were going to most likely require a full island be built down the middle of Appling Harlem Road…”
Commissioner Connie Melear asked Deep Patel, the applicant, if he had plans to reapply in six months and he said yes. Commissioner Don Skinner asked if alcohol could be sold at the store due to its proximity to a church.
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“The distance survey would be required; I believe it’s a 600 foot separation. The S-1 property located here is owned by a church. They are activily having youth events. I believe Commissioner Couch has actually spoken to the preacher. Based on our code, staff would not recommend to approve an alcohol license at this location based on current code.”
Patel told commissioners if he could not get an alcohol license, the project would not be viable.
“The investment is too big,” Patel said. “We’re spending probably about $4 million the project out there and not having alcohol would definitely hurt our sales.”
Commissioners ultimately voted 4-1 to deny the request with Melear voting against the denial.
“I believe that having a gas station in that area is not a terrible idea,” Melear said. “His design is not fantastic and the in and out is not fantastic, but I think there is a need for some of that…I don’t think the project itself is a terrible project I think it was going to need some work if it did happen. Somebody is going to put a gas station there eventually and I would rather see a local guy do it than somebody from out of town.”
In other business, commissioners recognized Emergency Management Agency Deputy Suzie Hughes and Planning Coordinator Corbin Cooney for completing the Georgia professional Emergency Management Certification. Commissioners also read a proclamation declaring April as Safe Digging Month.
Stephanie Hill is the managing editor and covers Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
