Commission Votes No on Event Center
The Jasper County Commissioners Monday, after some discussion, voted to deny a text amendment that would provide for and event center as a use in the Jasper County Code of Ordinances under agricultural zoning, with a special use permit.
Julie Rowland had sought the text amendment as she wants to use her property on Post Road to host weddings. The Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce endorsed the amendment, citing the need for such an ordinance.
Currently, at least one such event center exists in the county and operates without zoning. This amendment would possibly have controlled that property better, and would have allowed other properties to have the same benefit, following a specific set of guidelines. The P&Z board recommended approval 3-1, but it is just a recommending board.
At the county commission meeting, Mrs. Rowland spoke in favor of the text amendment as did some of her neighbors. Mandi Tanner with the COC also spoke in favor.
Several people were opposed to the text amendment, with one couple citing the problems at Bennett Cove, and saying they see a lot wrong with the text amendment. Another said the noise would upset her animals, and she didn’t want to have the vet bills that would follow. Mary Patrick said it is against the county’s Comprehensive Plan. Another person who spoke against it lived on Millen Road.
The commissioners initially wanted to table the amendment for further study, but upon the recommendation of the county attorney, they determined it would be better to deny it, and ask Planning and Zoning to continue to pursue it, and to come back to the commission when more ordinances to support it are in place.
Commissioner Gerald Stunkel, District 4, said there was a lot of disinformation put out about the text amendment, and he said that is confusing. He said disinformation is never good. He said he is there to represent the people, and misinformation makes for bad information. His take on the text amendment was “our ordinances are not prepared for this at this time. He said Butts County has two such venues, and perhaps the county could talk to them about issues.
Commissioners voted 4-1 to put out to bid the specs for a new shop for the Public Works Department. Chairman Carl Pennamon cast the dissenting vote, saying he wasn’t sure about the location, and felt like it needed to be studied more. County Manager Mike Benton presented the proposal, based on information from the County Engineer, Robert Jordan.
The county will do all the grading, and the building will be bid out from the slab up, said Mr. Benton. It will be a metal building, and will require a new septic tank. After a brief discussion, commissioners voted to move forward.
During commissioner items, Commissioner Doug Luke, District 5, made an appeal for the gentleman on Doe Lane who had called with an issue to please call back.
Ben Carter who inspected the Courthouse will be at the June meeting to discuss with the commissioners the issues he found.
