Posted on Tue, Oct. 16, 2007

By Chuck Thompson - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

GRAY --

The matter is scheduled to be heard by the commissioners, who have the final say on zoning changes, during their Nov. 6 meeting at the W.E. Knox Civic Center.

Rezoning the property is required for the authority to develop what is planned to be the county's first industrial park.

The authority purchased the 962-acre tract between Ga. 57 and Griswoldville Road in south Jones County in January, agreeing to pay the Plum Creek Timber Company $2,750 an acre. The Jones County Commission agreed to back $3.25 million in bonds to fund the purchase, pay initial costs to prepare and market the industrial park and cover interest payments on the bonds until revenue begins to be generated from selling sites in it.

Greg Mullis, chairman of the Development Authority of Jones County, said he was pleased the P&Z board voted to recommend the rezoning, and he said he was confident the commissioners will also approve it.

Mullis was one of three people to speak in favor of the rezoning. Only two spoke in opposition.

Proponents of the industrial park say it is needed to bring in needed industrial and commercial tax revenue to lessen the property tax burden on county homeowners. Mullis and Pam Christopher, executive director of the authority and Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce, pointed to a study published in March that rates the site first among potential industrial park sites in Middle Georgia as a prediction the park will be successful. The study was performed by the McCallum Sweeney Consulting firm of Greenville, S.C.

Charles Harrington, who said he owns 150 acres on Griswoldville Road near the site, said he doesn't believe the site is suitable because of the uneven terrain and the costs of preparing it.

"I just don't think they did enough in advance to be sure this is the right spot. I'm afraid we're going to be paying higher taxes to cover their mistakes," Harrington said.

Jim Kasulka, who owns 70 acres adjacent to the west corner of the tract, said he was concerned moving earth on the hill above his property could harm his lake, and he is worried the authority will try to put a sewer easement through his property.

Last month it was learned that the old trash dump covering about 2 acres in the center of the tract was deeper and contains more trash than expected, and that the authority had exhausted the $130,000 it had set aside to remove the trash. Christopher said Monday that it will take another $364,000 to complete the cleanup. The authority is seeking a grant and other funding to cover the cost.

Christopher said state officials have toured the site and are excited about its potential. She said it is possible that the entrance way to the tract could be completed in 6-9 months and that portions of the property could be ready for construction soon after.

To contact writer Chuck Thompson, call 744-4489.

 Macon.com