AVOC
January 4, 2006
Apalachee River Rezone of 837.6 acres by Oconee BOC
By Wendell Dawson, AVOC, Inc.
After the December 6, 2005, Oconee BOC meeting, AVOC heard from some citizens upset with the rezoning for residential two tracts of over 400 acres each on U. S. 441 and the Apalachee River at the Morgan County Line.
After looking into the situation, AVOC discovered some interesting issues. It seems that the Chairman of the Oconee County Planning Commission is also the registered agent for the owner-applicant of one of the tracts: Request No. 4757 by A.L.P. Development, Inc., ± 421.84 acres, located on U.S. Hwy. 441, from A-1 to AR-5. The Planning Commission considered this rezone at its November 21, 2005, meeting. Mr. Arnold recused himself (no reason given in Minutes) and Bill Ramsey presided. The item was recommended for approval on a 4 to 2 vote.
At the same Planning Commission meeting the other Apalachee Rezone was considered. Rezone Request No. 4126 by Richard H. Garrett, Jr., ± 415.76 acres, located on U.S. Hwy. 441, from A-1 to AR-5. This one had been involved in a lawsuit and apparently there was some sort of agreement with the county (AVOC will be seeking a copy of the Court Order in the case) A motion to Table (AVOC understands Mr. Arnold did not participate in this motion) was approved on a 4 to 2 vote (Marshall & Maxey voting no). Even though the Planning Commission did not act, the Item was acted on at the December 6 BOC meeting. The Planning Staff had recommended 17 conditions. AVOC understands that the BOC approved less conditions.
Another interesting issue is a Letter to a citizen from Chairman Melvin Davis (see below) explaining the rezones and the county’s actions. The letter was dated December 12, only four days after the BOC-BOE joint retreat at the NEGA RDC. The Chairman shows a lack of understanding of the real cost of education and government services in Oconee County.
Chairman Davis does not mention the Apalachee River, watershed protection, lack of government facilities in area, Greenspace ideas, or the County’s Land Use Plan. It does quote persons defending selling farmers in the past, “..part of their retirement..”. However, the Timber Companies that did own much of this land were not seeking “a retirement”. Neither are the developers.
Another interesting issue is the address of the applicant Corporation (A L P Dev), except for Dan Arnold, is the same one for other corporations that have been doing rezones or building in Oconee County.
QUERY: Is the Chairman of the Oconee County Planning Commission acting as a “Go Between” for Metro Atlanta Builders?
Maybe we need another vacancy on the Planning Commission.
AVOC UPDATE: On January 3, the BOC did appoint Chuck Steen (non-development community rep.) to succeed Jim Ivey. Chuck Steen is well qualified and can make valuable contributions on the Planning Commission.
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GA Sec of State -Corp. Division
A L P DEVELOPMENT, INC. (DOMESTIC PROFIT) | Officers |
2171 BARNETT SHOALS RD. WATKINSVILLE, GA 30677 | |
Control # | Status | Filing Date | Last AR Paid | Jurisdiction |
0555495 | ACTIVE/OWES CURRENT YEAR AR | 08/12/2005 | 08/29/2005 | GEORGIA |
Registered Agent | Agent Address | Agent County |
DAN ARNOLD | 2171 BARNETT SHOALS RD. | WATKINSVILLE, GA 30677 | OCONEE |
| | | |
A L P DEVELOPMENT, INC.
Corporate Officers
Title | Name | Address |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | JERRY PECK | 123 N. BROAD STREET WINDER, GEORGIA 30680 |
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | LUDGER LANTHIER | 123 N. BROAD STREET WINDER, GEORGIA 30680 |
SECRETARY | DAN ARNOLD | 2171 BARNETT SHOALS ROAD WATKINSVILLE, GEORGIA 30677 |
ANOTHER CORPORATION AT SAME ADDRESS
LAND STAR DEVELOPMENT, LLC. (GEORGIA LIMITED LIABILITY) | Officers |
123 N. BROAD STREET WINDER, GA 30680 | |
Control # | Status | Filing Date | Last AR Paid | Jurisdiction |
0332029 | ACTIVE/OWES CURRENT YEAR AR | 06/09/2003 | 10/31/2005 | GEORGIA |
Registered Agent | Agent Address | Agent County |
LUDGER W. LANTHIER | 123 N. BROAD STREET | WINDER, GA 30680 | BARROW |
| | | |
SEE Related AVOC Articles:
9-26-05 Oconee County “Spot Zoning” and “Scatter Shot” Development
3-14-05 Many Observers Think Oconee Development Influence Is Obvious
12-20-04 Oconee's Behind the Scenes "Wheeling & Dealing"
9-1-05 What a Difference a Year Makes In Oconee County- Residences Popping Up Everywhere
8-18-05 Good “Land” Conservation Purchases Need Thought and Planning
5-24-05 How & Where to Preserve Greenspace –Oconee’s Central School House
12-6-03 Stream Protection In Growing Counties Is Good Thing
2-16-05 Land Preservation Program Offers Opportunity for Oconee County
11-15-04 Rezones Are Moving Fast In Oconee County
ARTICLE Continued at Part 2