A group looking to build houses in Cherry Log had their zoning requests denied by the Gilmer County commissioners.
The vote denying five parcels of land to be rezoned from either A-1 (agricultural) or R-1 (residential low density) to R-2 (residential high density) took place at the board’s regular meeting Thursday night, July 8.
Robert Coovert, who owns a house in the area of the proposed development sent letters of opposition to commissioners and attended the meeting.
“I was pleasantly surprised with how things went,” he said.
Coovert opposed the development because of the lack of infrastructure to support the new homes. He pointed out wells have run dry in the area.
He said he started looking into the development when it came to his attention.
“My wife saw it in the paper before the planning commission (hearing),” he said.
The changes were apporved by the planning commission then sent to commissioners for approval.
At the work session and during the regular meeting, commissioners rearranged the agenda to take public comment after looking over zoning requests.
Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris explained the changes by saying the planning board hearing is where people advocate for or oppose zoning requests. He said it would be inappropriate for the county to hear arguments.
Paris said citizens can voice being in favor or against a zoning request, but would not be allowed to relitigate the recommendation.
After explaining the change, Paris said his personal opinion was high density construction, R-2 and above, were meant to be minor parts of the county total according to the county’s comprehensive plan.
“Gilmer County is special and I want us to stay special,” he said at the regular meeting. “If we just go after high density stuff, it will ruin us.”
Post Commissioner Hubert Parker said the comprehensive did not call for R-2 construction in the Cherry Log area.
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson noted the construction would be in a sensitive area near the forest area.
At the regular meeting, the vote was unanimous to deny the zoning changes.
Following the vote, there was applause from many in the audience.
“I think the county commissioners are doing what they say,” said Coovert.
Other business
- Commissioners received no bids for construction of the pool. They have contacted a builder who may be interested and may readvertise the bid.
- Commissioners approved a $3.1 million road paving bid with Colditz Trucking which will cover all of Boardtown Road.