VALDOSTA — Valdosta City Council voted 4-2 on September 10 to approve a land development for a new gated community on Lake Laurie Drive, moving forward with a project that has faced opposition for nearly two decades. The decision came despite a divided council chamber and a prior recommendation from the Planning Commission to table the request.
The 30.63 acres of land, currently owned by RST Construction, are slated for a single-family community featuring over 80 houses. Plans for the development include a common outdoor area with a pond connected to Lake Laurie. The property has been a point of contention among nearby communities since 2007, with residents expressing concerns about various development proposals over the years.
Planning Director Matt Martin noted the history, stating, “The applicant has owned this for 11 years, but previous to that, there was a rezoning request in 2007 that was very controversial.” Martin recalled that the 2007 proposal, which also “filled the chambers,” ultimately led to the applicant withdrawing their request after the City Council tabled it. The Planning Commission itself was split on the current proposal, recommending a two-month tabling in a 5-4 vote, with Vice Chairman James Miller breaking the tie.
The public hearing on September 10 drew a large crowd, with both supporters and opponents utilizing their allotted 15 minutes to speak. Residents opposing the development cited concerns about increased traffic, changes to the existing community, and mismatched housing styles. Willie Howell, a local resident speaking against the project, highlighted a number of issues, including questions about setbacks, water and sewage, storm water drainage, water quality, and potential decreases in home equity for adjacent properties. He also raised concerns about two-story homes being targeted towards retirees.
Conversely, those in favor of the development praised the property owners' flexibility in complying with requested changes to the original proposal. Jeff Hansen, a resident who spoke in support, expressed his belief that the project would beautify the area and enhance property values, stating that it probably "is the best one that I have seen that fits the neighborhood."
Councilman Andy Gibbs made the motion to approve the development with 14 conditions, which was then passed by his vote alongside Councilmen Tim Carroll, Tommy McIntyre, and Nick Harden. Councilwomen Vivian Miller-Cody and Sandra Tooley cast the dissenting votes.
In other unanimous decisions from the public hearing items, the City Council approved the rezoning of 8.2 acres on East Park Avenue. The property, owned by Dale and Robin Watts, was rezoned from single-family and residential/professional to community commercial. Robin Watts addressed the council, explaining her desire to sell the property and seek someone with a vision to develop it into something beneficial and needed for the area.
Beyond land use, the Valdosta Police Department received unanimous approval for three bid items to upgrade its technology: new body cameras, new portable radios, and new in-car camera systems. These purchases aim to replace outdated equipment. The council also unanimously approved a contingent professional services agreement with the South Georgia Regional Commission to improve drainage in Browns Canal. Additionally, an Actual Cost Utility Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) was approved, which will facilitate the relocation of the city’s water main to prevent interference with the Country Club Drive widening project.
Further infrastructure and development projects received council support, including a resolution for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, which will aid in redeveloping a building on Central Avenue. Four separate resolutions for GDOT Transportation Local Delivery Agreements were also approved. These agreements cover significant road improvements across the city, including widening Barack Obama Boulevard, extending Northside Drive, widening and improving Park Avenue, and enhancing both Melody Lane and Lankford Drive.
The meeting concluded with Citizens To Be Heard, where residents voiced concerns about Holly Drive, requested replanting trees within the city, and advocated for improvements to local bike lanes.
