The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning for the site of the old First Baptist Church of Evans during the meeting on Tuesday, May 20.
The rezoning will change the property at 515 North Belair Road from C-2 (General Commercial) & C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to just C-2 (General Commercial). Gerald Chichester, legal counsel for the applicant, spoke to commissioners about the rezoning.
“This rezoning just permits the development of the property to be more practical going forward,” Chichester.
He also told commissioners that the applicant was withdrawing a variance request for the same property. Commissioners approved the withdrawing of the request without prejudice.
MORE: Commission OKs procurement hire, Trane maintenance deal
Other items approved
Commissioners approved a rezoning of property off Morris Callaway Road and I-20 from R-A (Residential Agriculture) and a split zoned R-A (Residential-Agriculture) to S-1 (Special). This is the property for a proposed White Oak Technology Park.
Manny Dalis, who lives in a neighboring property, voiced concerns he had about several issues, including noise, water and light pollution. District 4 Commissioner Alison Couch
“I just want to reiterate that we did spend a lot of time and care looking over this project and I want it to be the lowest impact on you and your property,” Couch said. “A lot of that information as submitted in the narrative that was submitted with the rezoning.”
Commissioners also approved a request to withdraw without prejudice a rezoning for property off Ridge Road from a split zoned C-2 (General Commercial) & R-4 (Recreational Residential) to S-1 (Special) for a proposed boat and RV storage facility.
Also approved was the appointment Gary Richardson to the Public Facilities Authority to fill the term for Don Skinner, who resigned. The term expires Dec. 31, 2027.
MORE: Electrical power for both new arena and Bell Auditorium scheduled to be installed soon
Recognitions
Members of the Columbia County Technology Services Division were recognized with the 2025 GMIS Outstanding Professional Award during the commission meeting. District 1 Commissioner Connie Melear presented the award and thanks the staff for all their hard work to keep the county running during Hurricane Helene.
Commissioners presented a proclamation to members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary declaring May 17-23 as National Safe Boating Week.
Commissioners also presented a proclamation to the Building Standards inspectors and staff declaring May as Building Safety Month.
