BOC proclaims April 24-30, 2022 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Community April 22, 2022
PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Pickens Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 24-30, 2022 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week, filled a vacancy on the planning commission, and administered an oath of office for newly hired Fire Chief Tim Prather during their April meeting.
Because the board held only one meeting in April, Chairman Kris Stancil noted the proclamations that had been signed throughout the month. The Prevent Child Abuse Proclamation was signed by both Chairman Stancil and Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence and designated April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. He mentioned that the pinwheels found throughout Pickens County were in recognition of the effort. Another proclamation recognized dispatchers in Pickens County: “The week of April tenth through the sixteenth was National Public Safety Telecommunications Week,” Stancil said, “So we had an opportunity on the twelfth to recognize Ms. Easterwood and her staff at the 911 center for the incredible work they do.” Stancil also proclaimed the week of April 24 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
The commissioners approved a resolution that will amend the Deferred Compensation Plan for Pickens County employees. Stancil said the resolution will allow more flexibility for employees, giving them an additional option to contribute to a Roth 457.
The board also approved a premises use agreement with the Boys and Girls Club. Stancil explained that the agreement “grants to the Boys and Girls Club a license to use specified areas of the premises of the Recreation Center.” It will also expand the community’s access to the Summer Enrichment Program, according to Stancil.
The board appointed Kevin Moss to the Pickens County Planning Commission to fill a vacant seat until Dec. 31, 2024. “I would like to recognize our planning commission. They’re all volunteers and get appointed and are willing to serve,” Stancil said after approving the appointment. In addition, the commissioners also administered an oath of office for Fire Chief Tim Prather during the meeting. The Pickens High School Dragonettes basketball team were also recognized during the meeting for taking part in the Final Four.
City Council Tables Residential Project
City Council, Featured, Featured News, News February 5, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – After a lengthy debate, Jasper City Council decided to table further discussion regarding a high-density multifamily residential community.
The application for the Cottages at Creekside comes from Coastal Building Group, LLC. The idea, in its current form, is to rezone and develop just over 15 acres of agricultural land into a 75 unit neighborhood located at 855 North Main St. in Jasper. Brian Westbrook, the project’s spearhead, says they have incorporated sidewalks, a community garden, and a gazebo into the design to maximize livability. Cherie Martin, the project’s realtor, says that because of the neighborhood’s proximity to down, she envisions a walkable community with easy access to churches, restaurants, and shopping. Both Westbrook and Martin agree that home prices could range from $209,000 to $250,000.
Proposed units for the development.
Before the city council’s vote, the city planning commission took public input on the ordinance at a November 28 meeting. Several proponents who live near the proposed site expressed their concern. Some questioned why developers would want to build in a well-known floodplain. Others had concerns over access, sighting that plans only showed one way in and out.
Chairman Rodney Buckingham pressed Westbrook about the retention pond’s ability to serve the planned units properly. Westbrook reassured those at the meeting that it would. The commission also had concerns over the 81 proposed units on a site that is no larger than 16 acres. At one point, Chairman Buckingham hinted that if developers couldn’t make money from a lesser plan of 53 units, why should the commission approve the ordinance?
Ultimately, the planning commission did approve a nonbinding recommendation to city council with a caveat that developers resolve the issues brought up that evening.
When Jasper City Council took the ordinance up for their February 2 meeting, developers faced even more issues. It wasn’t long before the fingerpointing began. City Manager Brandon Douglas and Brian Westbrook’s communication laps regarding a failed attempt for an advanced meeting gave tension during the Zoom call. These issues were compounded by further confusion surrounding the R3 zoning classification and if the units would be attached or detached.
Neither of the previous issues regarding the number of units, retention ponds, floodplains, or lack of multiple entrances were addressed during the meeting.
After much deliberation, Councilman Kirk Raffield made a motion to deny the ordinance. Not ready to entertain Raffield’s motion, Councilwoman Anne Sneve made a separate motion requesting the Council table the ordinance upon further discussion.
Sneve’s motion on the ordinance did carry by unanimous vote.
In other news, Jasper City Council made a $7,500 donation to the Marble Valley Historical Society. Representing the group, Greg Moore, was appreciative of the generous donation. Moore invites everyone to visit the historic jail off Main Street. For more information about the jail or the Marble Valley Historical Society, you can visit their website.
Jasper City Planning and Zoning approve annexing
City Council May 26, 2020
The Jasper Planning and Zoning Commission approved annexing a lot on Hwy. 515. The measure will now go to the Jasper City Council.
The Jasper City Planning and Zoning Commissioners met on Tuesday night to discuss annexing property and amending the Zoning Ordinance.
The board approved a request to annex 41121 Highway 515 South into the City of Jasper and rezoning it to C-2. The motion will now go to the Jasper City Council for approval.
The soil wasn’t suitable for a septic system, according to City Manager Brandon Douglas. If approved by the city council, the owners can pay to join the city sewer.
TRENDING: See what else is happening in Pickens County here.
The Jasper City Planning and Zoning Commission also approved sending a request to amend the text of the Jasper Zoning Ordinance for the section of permitted and conditional uses by districts to allow the use of a brewer in the CBD. The specific location was the end of Main Street at the location of the former Angry Mama’s Auction.
The next Planning Commission meeting is not scheduled. The next Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is not scheduled.
The Jasper City Council meets on Monday, June 1 at 6 p.m.