Horizon Motor Coach is seeking to open its own training center in Harlem.
Last month, J & B Construction submitted a rezoning request to the Columbia County Planning Department to change a nearly-three-acre parcel at 936 Appling Harlem Road from agricultural residential to S-1 special district.
The property, owned by Horizon, was once the location of Neal’s Garage & Wrecker Service. Horizon owner Alvin Harris explains in the accompanying narrative the bus charter company’s intention to develop the area for its towing service.
The plan entails refurbishing one the buildings to be office space for Horizon Towing. Alongside this, black vinyl-coated chain link fencing would be installed, storage space constructed, and 17 new commercial parking spaces would be paved and striped to accommodate a fleet of five tow trucks.
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The building would also house classroom space for a commercial driver’s license training program, “established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration” for Horizon Motor Coach employees. Previously, the company had used the school bus training lot at Harlem High School to train drivers, said the document.
The coach service also plans to demolish a second structure that exists on the property and replace it with a 1,200 square foot building to rent out as office space.
Horizon Motor Coach, which has been in business for some 25 years, is located just across the road from this site, at 949 Appling Harlem Road, Its parent company acquired the 936 parcel from the owners of Neal’s Garage in 2019.
The Columbia County Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the request in its meeting on Thursday, Jan. 5.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
