GAINESVILLE - Hall County Commissioners Thursday said no to the proposed Northern Ark By-pass, even if it is several years away only in the planning stages.
Commissioners unanimously recommended that the Gainesville-Hall County Metropolitan Planning Organization scrap all four routes of the Northern Connector at the urging of Debbie Lawson Davis, president of the Lake Lanier Community Preservation Association.
Davis cited the Northern Arc's potentially severe negative impact on North Hall Homes, even the Olympic Venue at Lake Lanier and the huge cost of building several bridges across the lake. She said property holders are already losing land values even though the project is only on the drawing board for the year 2030 and the County Commission would have to approve funding for it.
Commissioner Billy Powell said in his motion only existing roads should be considered, Steve Gailey added those should be state routes
HOLD OFF ON HAZARDOUS ANIMALS
Commissioners went ahead as planned and passed the county's new animal control ordinance, with one change suggested by former teacher turned small farmer Paul Harney.
Harney objected, saying the ordinance was not well thought out when it came to regulating exotic animals, especially reptiles.
Commissioners agreed to suspend the hazardous animals section until January 1st; the County needed the ordinance in place because it takes over animal shelter services by October 1st from the Humane Society.
Commissioners also approved a new animal services schedule.
GO AHEAD AND PAY, BUT...
Commissioners reluctantly agreed to go ahead and pay the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission a $1.10 per capita for its planning assistance services an amount Chairman Oliver Tom Oliver felt was excessive.
Commissioner Ashley Bell amended Oliver's second motion to begin looking for a planning group with a cheaper rate.
"Send a communication from this commission to the DCA the (Department of Community Affairs) about the feasibility of us leaving the GMRDC going with the Athens Region," Bell said.
Bell said the Commission needs state approval to make the change as well as approval from Gainesville City Council.
WATER FOR BELMONT
Commissioners approved funding for the Belmont Water Line project, long awaited by residents of the Belmont community who complained about poor water supply.
Public Works Director Ken Reardon said the project would provide water through a 3.8-mile pipeline and also fire hydrants, which will reduce fire insurance rates.
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Saturday
October 19th, 2024
10:44AM
