The Columbia County Board of Commissioners will have a full plate when they meet on July 18, the first time since June 20.
On the agenda are multiple zoning items, including two items involving Parker’s Kitchens. One is a rezoning request and variance request for 170 South Belair Road. The rezoning request is to change the property from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to C-C (Community Commercial). The Planning Commission voted to disapprove the request for the rezoning, but the staff recommendation is to approve with conditions, according to the agenda document. There is a note in the agenda document that states in an email from July 6, the applicant requested to withdraw the rezoning without prejudice and the committee recommendation is to approve the request to withdraw the item without prejudice.
As for the variance, the request is to allow for the gas station at 170 South Belair Road to be 24/7. The Planning Commission voted to disapprove the variance, but the staff recommendation is to approve with conditions, according to the agenda document. However, there is a note in there stating, just like the rezoning, the applicant requested to withdraw the variance without prejudice.
The second Parker’s Kitchen that will be off Lewiston Road is requesting a variance to allow for it to be open 24/7. Several community members spoke out at the June 29 Planning Commission meeting against the variance. The staff recommendation is to approve with conditions the request for the variance, according to the agenda document.
A conditional license, encroachment and maintenance agreement with The Villages of Jones Creek and an alcoholic beverage license for Ridge Road Bait & Tackle LLC. Staff is recommending approval for both items.
Another zoning item is a request to rezone 5607 Columbia Road from R-A (Residential Agricultural) to C-C (Community Commercial) to allow for a gas station on the property. Along with the rezoning request, there is a variance request to sections 90-139 (buffers and screening) and 90-147(g)(10)(b) (use provisions) for the same property.
Several community members spoke out against the rezoning at the June 15 Planning Commission meeting, stating there are several gas stations within several miles already and cutting down the trees will cause noise and light pollution, according to the agenda document. The staff is recommending approval with conditions for the rezoning. For the variance request, the staff is also recommending approval.
“Staff recommends to approve the request for a variance to Sections 90-139 Buffers & screening and 90-147 (g)(10)(b) Use provisions for a 3.37 +/- acre portion of property located at 5607 Columbia Road, tax map 050 portion of parcel 002G, 3.37 +/- acres out of a total of 360.9 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-A (Residential Agricultural), S-1 (Special), and M-2 (General Industrial) to remove the 30’ structural buffer requirement against the western and northern property line, allow for 24 hour operation, remove separation requirements for buildings and appurtenances from residential zoned property, and to replace a required 10’ structural buffer with a 10’ landscape strip along the western property line and a 10’ buffer along the northern property line,” according to the agenda document.
Commissioners will also be discussing an intergovernmental contract with the Columbia County Hospital Authority.
“The County desires to enter into an Intergovernmental Contract with the Hospital Authority for the use of the facilities and services of the Authority, to provide for the public health and welfare needs of the citizens of the County. The term of this contract shall take effect as of the date of the issuance and delivery of the Series 2023 B Certificates, but in no event shall the term of this contract exceed 40 years,” according to the agenda document.
Commissioners will also discuss resolution 23-42 authorizing, approving and providing for the delivery and execution 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 Columbia County Hospital Authority.
“The Columbia County Hospital Authority and the Board of Commissioners have determined that there is an urgent need for a new acute care hospital and related facilities in the County to serve its residents. The County has negotiated a development agreement with AUMC and BOR which provides for the development and construction of the hospital project,” according to the agenda document. “The Hospital Authority was created in part to facilitate the financing of the projects and anticipates issuing bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $375 million in order to finance the development, construction and equipping of the hospital project. This resolution authorizes its proper officers and agents to take actions necessary in connection with the proposed bonds.”
Commissioners will also recognize the Augusta Christian boys basketball, baseball and cheer teams for winning their respective state titles during the 2022-23 school year with a proclamation.
Augusta Christian athletes excelled during the 2022-2023 school year by taking home state titles in boys’ basketball, baseball and cheer. The Board of Commissioners would like to recognize their accomplishments and congratulate the coaches and athletes.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 in the auditorium at the Evans Government Center. The full agenda can be found at columbiacountyga.gov.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
