The Liberty County Commission last Tuesday approved rezoning for a recreational vehicle development at the intersection of I-95 and U.S. Highway 17. Despite some opposition, the vote was unanimous.
The site is owned by Destinations Tidewater and includes 125 acres along the South Newport River. About 55 acres are considered developable because of wetlands regulations.
A project spokesman, Strickland Holloway, described plans for the RV development, to include five phases. The proposed development could include 230 lots available for sale or rental. The land is now zoned Planned Unit Development for condominiums; the commission’s action makes it open to RVs.
A spokesman for environmental group One Hundred Miles opposed the rezoning on various procedural grounds and said the site was sensitive and near the Bulltown Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
Robert Emerson said he represented Friends of the South Newport River and had a petition with 22 signatures opposing the RV plan. The signatures, he said, were by 100 percent of the residents of the McIntosh County side of the river. Some people at the meeting said informally that the development would spoil their scenic view.
Holloway said the project will eventually include community docks, swimming pools, tennis courts, an event center and a chapel. “I am a conservationist too, “Holloway said, “This natural beauty is not just for birds and animals to enjoy, it’s for us too.”
In other business the commissioners agreed to purchase a Western Star truck and trailer for $141,666,000.
Sikes Brothers was chosen to resurface and improve a section of Lewis Frasier Road at a cost of $243,433. The Sikes firm’s bid was the lowest of seven submitted.
The commissioners approved a 40 plus page lease agreement with the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority for the new Head Start facility to be built in Riceboro. The county will technically own the land and lease it to the nonprofit which provides community services.
Chairman Donald Lovette signed a proclamation of Arbor Day in Liberty County. The Feb. 14 observance will focus on the many benefits of planting trees.
Email Parker at joeparkerjr@hotmail.com.