THOMASVILLE- The Thomas County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday night, where they voted to approve a rezoning application, allowing for the development of a residential subdivision. The approval was met with disappointment from surrounding property owners who already feel the Hall Road corridor, where the application was filed for, is too congested.

The application, filed by Joe Harvard, Sr., asked that the Commissioners rezone the parcel on the corner of Hall Road and the Bypass from Agricultural to Single Family Residential in order for the development of approximately 50 lots.

Upon reading the application, the Commissioners opened up the floor for a public hearing, first hearing from Harvard, Sr. on the project.

“It’s a great piece of property that lends itself to development just like the one across the street on Hall Road,” Harvard, Sr. said.

Despite Harvard Sr.’s assurance that these would be quality homes resembling the current architecture surrounding them, residents were not convinced this subdivision was in the best interest of the neighborhood.

Michael Owens, who resides on Hall Road, was the first to speak in opposition to the development.

“We’ve had almost 2,000 housing and building permits approved to develop on our little road,” he said. “All of the traffic comes down Hall Road, and we are getting close to not being able to handle it.”

Owens said he realized the Commissioners’ goal is to grow Thomas County and the businesses that are housed there.

“I’m not trying to stop this gentleman (Harvard, Sr.) from being successful in developing that property,” Owens said. “I’m just concerned about Hall Road.”

Owens pointed out that just a few weeks ago the Commissioners approved another subdivision development, consisting of more than 150 lots, just down the street.

“Now, they are all going to dump onto Hall Road,” he lamented. “We’ve got to study this, because y’all are really overloading Hall Road and traffic is already horrible.”

Owens asked the Commissioners to please consider the impact the trucks, construction and traffic were having on the road, before approving another 50 homes to be built.

Inspections and Planning Director Ken Gay understood Owens’ concern and informed Owens and the Commissioners that the Department of Transportation has approved an access from the Bypass to enter this development, relieving Hall Road of some of the traffic.

Commissioner Ken Hickey asked Gay for clarification on the access point to the previously approved subdivision development Owens mentioned. Gay assured Commissioners and Owens that the subdivision will also only be accessed from Hwy. 319 and not Hall Road.

Baker Watkins then spoke to the Commissioners on his concerns about the new development. Watkins’ property backs up to the proposed new development.

“For selfish reasons, I do not want this in my backyard,” he told the Commissioners. “I’m going to go from no neighbors to 10 or 12, because it’s a long property line.”

Watkins explained he has known Harvard, Sr. for quite some time, and it is nothing against him as a person, but just feels it is too many homes on too small of a property.

Watkins said all he wants is a buffer in his backyard, but has yet to receive any word if there will be one.

“I’m just really in the dark as to what is going to happen there,” he said.

Gay was able to provide some insight for Watkins, sharing that buffers are required as part of the zoning ordinances.

“He can’t impose on your property,” Gay said.

With all Watkins’ questions answered, the Commissioners heard from one final neighbor, Barbara Walden, who lives across the street from the proposed development.

Walden expressed concern at the size of the homes and how it would impact her property value.

Harvard, Sr. told Walden the homes he builds will be congruent with her neighborhood, estimating 2,000+ square-feet.

“I’m worried about my property’s value,” Walden said. “We’ve spent about 25 years out there and a lot of time and money, making our property look exactly how we wanted.”

Following Walden’s comments, Commissioners closed the public hearing and entertained a motion for the approval of the rezoning application.

Vice-Chair Donnie Baggett made a motion, with Commissioner Wiley Grady seconding.

Commissioners Hickey, NeSmith, Brown and Chairman Zippy Vonier all voted to approve, while Commissioners Jeremy Rich and Moses Gross opposed. The application passed 6-2.