The Columbia County Planning Commission recommended approving Queensborough Bank’s variance requests to facilitate their proposed new branch location along Washington Road.
The commissioners voted unanimously in favor of both petitions, one to allow the bank to build its proposed 5,980 building up to 80 feet, the other to decrease its side and front setbacks.
Planning director Will Butler noted that because a 2021 right-of-way realignment along Evans Towne Center Boulevard left a 12-foot waterline going through the subject site, it would have to be moved.
“Those utilities are really the primary driver of moving this building back on the property itself,” said Butler.
Attorney Alexandra Reynolds, speaking on behalf of Queensborough Bank and Trust, added that another factor in seeking the setback variance was ensuring that pedestrians would not have to cross the drive thru planned for the rear of the building to get to the entrance.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider the requests on Aug. 19.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
