Hall Commission says no to LL Farms

GAINESVILLE - Opponents far outnumbered supporters Thursday night to allow a special events facility in a large barn owned by David Wayne and Michelle Gibbs of LL Farm.

After listening to attorneys representing homeowners on one side and LL Farm on the other plus several upset homeowners for over an hour, Hall Commissioners unanimously concluded that it was the wrong time and the wrong place for the rezoning on Ransom Free Road near Clermont; Commissioner Scott Gibbs made the motion to deny.

"I can't support it because of the surroundings, "Gibbs said. "It doesn't fit the neighborhood."

The rezoning application drew fire from the homeowners who complained of noise and traffic from events already held there without a permit; the Planning Commission denied the request. Attorney Steve Gilliam, representing the homeowners, told commissioners they would be giving the Gibbs' a pass and sending a message to the community that it is o.k. to violate county ordinances.

"We would ask that you would uphold and follow the recommendation of your planning commission and deny this request for rezoning," Gilliam said.

Gibbs attorney Wes Robinson said those allegations came from mis-information and a fabrication, referring to a LL Farms web site picture showing a concert that he said did not exist.

Commissioners placed on first reading a proposed Agri-Entertainment ordinance that would allow weddings and certain other events to be held in barns without the applicant applying for a commercial zoning. Commissioners indicated they wanted changes in the proposal, including an enlargement of the lot size acreage permitted from 15 up to 50 acres. The Planning Commission recommended 15 acres as a minimum lot size.

Commissioner Gibbs said during Monday's work session he wanted tracts of 30 to 50 acres so events would not disturb neighbors. Rezoning opponents pointed out that the LL Farms 28,000 square foot entertainment barn was located on a 4.9 acre lot.