SAVING HIS PROPERTY: Baker Watkins stands in front of the woods and creek on his property line, which would be demolished for a new development of 50 homes. 

THOMASVILLE – Last month, the Thomas County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning application, allowing for the development of a residential subdivision on the corner of Hall Road and the Bypass. At the time of the approval, Commissioners heard questions from surrounding residents, including Baker Watkins, whose property backs up to the proposed development. Watkins had expressed concerns about a buffer between his property line and the proposed homes. He was encouraged to speak with Inspections and Planning Director Ken Gay and was provided with a plat map. However, as of Thursday, August 24, Watkins said he’s heard from no one and still has serious concerns about the proximity of neighbors and the loss of wildlife that will occur if the parcel map is followed.

Watkins said he has lived in his home for nearly 20 years and never had a problem.

“There’s one way in and one way out,” he said. “It’s quiet and no one really knows this place is here, and I like it that way. I feel safe.”

With the development of 50 homes, Watkins said he feels there is a chance at least one of those 50 homeowners may be dishonest, requiring him to now install a fence at his expense to protect himself and his property.

While he would still have concerns over his neighbors, Watkins said he would feel more comfortable if there was a buffer in place, allowing for some additional privacy. Prior to the sale of the land for development, Watkins had requested to purchase the strip of land between his property line and the start of the new development. He was verbally assured that he would be kept in mind before any transactions were made. However, Watkins was surprised to learn he was never considered before it was sold.

“I asked twice and was given the same answer,” Watkins lamented. “it just kind of made me think I would at least be able to make an offer.”

When asked by the property owners what he would do with the land, Watkins told them he intended to fertilize it, and let it grow to its full potential.

Letting the land grow would allow Watkins to continue to see the wildlife he has grown accustomed to.

“I hate to think of all that being clear cut, at the expense of the wildlife,” he said. “I have lots of deer around here, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, turkey in the spring and that’s kind of a corridor for them.”

Watkins said he has often found some of the animals on the road, dodging vehicles and he brings them back to his property.

“I know people probably don’t care, but it’s just never something I thought I would see only a mile from Walmart,” he said. “I sip my coffee early in the morning on my porch and see all kinds of animals cross my driveway.”

Recently, Watkins saw two does with twin fawns and two bucks right behind them.

“They have to go somewhere and that property is wooded and they go there quite a bit,” he said.

Watkins also pointed out there is a creek that runs through his property and is another place the animals often use water.

“I don’t want to see that altered,” he said. “I don’t want it run somewhere else or for them to redirect it, where it washes out my driveway.”

Watkins is unsure if the plat map has considered this, as he strongly believes it will impact some of the positioning of the homes planned.

“I just have a lot of questions and I don’t know if anyone has any answers for me, he said. “I don’t want them to cover it (the creek) up.”

Watkins realizes the development of the homes may be years down the road, but he wants his voice heard before the development begins.

“Once it begins, there’s no stopping it,” he said.

“The best thing would be if they just set the houses back a little further. I don’t want it depreciating the value of the house and even if I’m not here when it happens, my wife may still be and I want to look out for her.”

Watkins pleads for the Commissioners to visit his property and reconsider the setback on the proposed lots before he loses his own small slice of “Heaven on Earth.”