Three subdivision expansions and two daycares are among the matters on the agenda for the next Columbia County Planning Commission meeting.
Angela and Desire Edmond submitted architectural drawings and an application to Planning on April 14, requesting to rezone a 0.93-acre parcel they own at 4031 Riverwatch Pkwy. in Martinez, from R-3 single family residential to P-1 professional.
The purpose of the rezoning is to open an adult daycare center at the 65-foot-wide house on the property for fewer than seven adults. The Planning staff recommends approval of the rezoning, noting in the staff report that operating an adult daycare for up to six people in a residential setting is one of the allowed uses for the subject property under its current zoning.
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However, this allowance applies only if the applicants intended to live at the location. Though the Edmonds have indicated that there will always be a ratio of one staff member per every three residents—leaving two staff members present at all times with up to six adult residents receiving care—the applicants do not intend to live at the proposed facility, requiring it to be rezoned.
“If the rezoning is approved, the next steps would be site plan and building permit submittals for all necessary upgrades,” the staff report said. “These improvements will require at least three paved off-street parking spaces developed in a manner that does not require backing out onto River Watch Parkway, as well as installation of the related landscaping and buffers.”
Two buildings at 206 and 208 Flowing Wells Rd. are the subjects of a conditional use request, also for a daycare center. Mushanda Blount-Ray, along with property-owners Thomas and DeLoris Ann McBride, submitted the request on April 22 for the parcel, which is currently zoned planned development district.
The proposed daycare would be a Bright from the Start facility—licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning—caring for up to 30 children ages two to five years, as well as providing afterschool care for older siblings of these children who attend nearby Martinez Elementary School. The plans also include up to 5,000 square feet of play area.
The staff recommends approval of the request with conditions. Blount-Ray applied for a conditional use for a daycare last year. Her request was disapproved by the Board of Commissioners on June 15, 2021.
“At that time, it was noted that the property at 206 Flowing Wells Road was operating as a personal care home but was intended to close as of the end of May 2021,” said the staff report on the request. “There is no business license record for this personal care home; the last active business license on the property was in 2020.”
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Conceptual plans for the second phase of the Brooks Townhomes subdivision off Columbia Road has been recommended by the Planning staff for approval. Glen Allen, Va.-based Smith Parker, LLC is looking to add 17 lots to an 2.6-acre undeveloped parcel off the north side of Columbia Road, in groups of four, five and six connected units.
OECG, LLC submitted a preliminary plat for the third phase of its townhouse development Canton Park on Riverwatch Parkway. The plat includes 20 residential lots, averaging at approximately 1,850 square feet, covering 7.59 acres.
The final plat for seven new residential lots at Tankersley Farm on 34.12 acres off Cobbham Road has also been recommended for approval by the staff.
The Columbia County Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering education in Columbia County and business-related topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
