The Columbia County Commission voted to rename the county’s water utility administration building in honor of William C. “Bill” Clayton at its July 6 meeting.
Clayton, the county’s water utilities director, has seen major growth in the county, leading the department from 30 employees at one water treatment plant and two wastewater treatment plants to over 160 employees operating two water treatment plants and four wastewater treatment plants.
MORE: Columbia County Commissioners Shoot Down Townhome Rezoning Request
In other business, Thompson Gooding’s request for a sewer easement through county greenspace for a development at 487 Furys Ferry Road was met with concern by Evans’ resident Marlene Bergeron, who asked to speak before the commission voted on the request.
She highlighted the rezoning’s potentially damaging effect on the environment and local wildlife, citing Augusta’s Lake Olmstead, among several historical examples of the detrimental effects of industrial development. She also requested that the county implement four approaches to local development that included conservation easements, a revised landscaping code, implement a walkthrough prior to clear cutting and maintaining natural buffers for a set time.
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“My whole thing is honoring the voices. I’m just one person, but this project is being planned by people, and there are over 1,000 people who live here,” said Bergeron, who moved to Columbia County from Chicago in 2013. “Plus, I’m a big fan of the residents who don’t pay taxes, don’t vote and don’t shop, but who are important to this area, who might have feathers and more than two legs.”
Commission Chairman Doug Duncan noted that the developer of the area was not present, nor had the plans for the area being rezoned been completed. He also responded by citing the county’s recent purchase of 120 acres at 4975 Hardy McManus Rd. for the purpose of building a park.
Bergeron said she appreciated that but also urged that the county show similar concern in other areas of Columbia County. Duncan advised Bergeron to email her concerns to Deputy County Manager Matt Schlachter. After Bergeron completed her time speaking, the board voted to allow the rezoning.
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