City O.K.s Tourist Facility

The Monticello City Council voted to allow a text amendment to the residential zoning district on Eatonton Street to allow a conditional use of property in the city,as tourist accommodations, with very specific language.

The council held two public hearings Tuesday night during their regular meeting. The first was for the wording change to the text stating that the use shall comply with conditional use and act as a tourist accommodation with educational events which include a commercial kitchen with on-site parking only.

The second public hearing was that of the actual application, with the amended wording, which was also passed unanimously. She can operate the property at 421 E. Greene Street, Reese Hall as a Bed and Breakfast and Event Venue. She was also approved based on her occupancy in the home when it is open for business and when guests are there. In the event that Ms. Hunsucker cannot be present a manager representing her must be.

Ms. Hunsucker informed the council that she purchased the previously run down home in October and is planning to make it a “culinary retreat.” She stated that she “loved Monticello,” and the people here. She said that the B&B would be an all inclusive stay Wednesday-Sunday with entertainment in the afternoons. She said that she would host culinary classes and educational programs which will include but is not limited to cooking, gardening and small events.

She said “Reese Hall is the oldest home in Monticello, and I want to give back.” She said that she is looking to host Girl Scouts and other local organizations. She said that the home would be available for small events such as baby and bridal showers, girl’s weekend retreats and offer seasonal classes for those interested in such as grill and game cooking.

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There were many citizens in attendance with a majority being in favor stating that tourism was a draw for Monticello, and some speaking against not the business itself but the enforcement and the regulations should this business fail or be sold. It was included that the zoning was conditional and “will be terminated upon sale of the property or termination of use / operations.”

Some of those speaking in favor of the new business included David Dyer with the Development Authority of Jasper County.

Also speaking in favor were members of the Downtown Development Authority saying that they support the change and see it as a “huge benefit for Monticello. We are exciting to promote new businesses in Monticello that create jobs, bring income and help with taxes,” said Nancy Arnold Wood, spokesperson.

Pam Mayer with the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce said that the COC was in full support and encouraged tourism to promote Monticello as a “better place to live and work.”

Gail Harrell, citizen, stated that she lives in the city and has watched numerous homes like this one deteriorate. She said that she was in support of the changes and the new business. She said “I commend Judy and anyone else for property restoration. Let’s bring in tourist and revenues.”

Karen Degges, Jasper County Manager said “I value anyone who preserves and shows off these old homes.” She stated that she “was proud to live near by,” and also bought an old home. Joann Jordan, Rev. William Gibson and Bobby Sutton also spoke for the zoning change stating that it was a good thing and Monticello needed more positive draws and businesses.

There were several that spoke against the tourist accommodation wording stating that they did not want to see businesses take over Eatonton Street. Charlene Crawley spoke as to enforcement and making sure that all of the stipulations were followed. She said that dating back to when Big B Drugs was put in, none of the ordinances set forth in the initial stages were ever enforced. She and others voiced concerns about it becoming too commercial with no enforcement of said restrictions.

In other business the council voted 3-1 to pay for the relocation of the gas lines in Jones County. The work has been done and an invoice for $102,402 was to be paid from the competitive trust fund. Peggy Billerman, City Manager told the council that this had been talked about for over a year and it was finally time to pay.

She did state that it was not budgeted for, but there were several $35,000 draw downs budgeted for paying bills that had not been taken and that there was currently about $700,000 in the competitive trust. Councilmen Larry Thurman, David Wease and Cornell Willimas voted for and Councilwoman Katherine Alexander voted against stating that she disliked going into the trust for any reason.

The council also heard from Ms. Billerman that there was a tree growing inside of the Sunrise Thrift Store and needed to be removed and repaired. She said that Joe McMichael could do the repairs for about $3,000. The city is the landlord of the property.

She also informed the council that the part concrete, part wood roof at the water plant was leaking. She said that it would be about $23,000 to repair and that there wasn’t enough Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds to finance the entire repair.

Ms. Billerman also stated that after advertising for two weeks, there had been no calls for board appointments. She said that citizens are needed to sit on the Downtown Development Board the Planning and Zoning and the Historical Preservation boards. She encouraged council to seek members for these board as they are vital to council decisions.

The council discussed the Towee Street repairs coming to no conclusion, but to solicit the county for the possibility of splitting the cost at approximately $22,000 per entity with the GDOT contributing $15,000 of the $60,000 project.

At the close of the meeting the council went into executive session for personnel.