The Green Rocks, LLC. rezoning request heard at the Planning Commissions December 3 meeting divided City of Blue Ridge Council members 3-1 during a regular meeting January 14.
The city heard a request from Green Rocks, LLC. Representative Matthew Cole about plans to turn property at 51 Ada St., beside Blue Jean’s Pizza, into a parking lot. Cole said they would like the area changed from C-2 (General Commercial District) to CBD (Central Business District) to have a broader range of options for future business endeavors.
Councilman Nathan Fitts made a motion to approve the zoning request under the conditions that final projects must come back before the city for approval and all projects and system improvements be the property owner’s responsibility.
Councilwomen Robbie Cornelius and Rhonda Haight voted in favor while Councilman Harold Herndon opposed. The motion passed.
GEFA Loan No. DW2016036 was modified for a $10,030 increase and GEFA Loan No. DW2017017 was modified for a $30,960 increase. Both loans are for the ongoing meter project that will be completed in April. Whitener said loan forgiveness for the project increased to $108,360.
A generator that is out of warranty was approved for repair from Yancey CAT at $7,217.95 as well as a $7,885 repair to the Aska pump station from Oliver Electric.
The city heard from Greg Killingsworth concerning a needed crosswalk across the railroad tracks downtown to allow easy access from Roberts Way to West Main Street. City Attorney James Balli said the tracks are leased to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), so the city cannot make any decisions concerning the tracks. The idea needs to be ran by the railway, he said.
Downtown Developmental Authority (DDA) Chairman Cesar Martinez gave a monthly update. He said the tenth annual Fire and Ice Chili Cook Off Festival is scheduled February 15, rain or shine, the DDA is looking for a new director of economic development, they are working “diligently” on parking, 2020 officers were selected but remain the same, and their next meeting is February 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Bob Borgwat was scheduled to speak on the Blue Ridge Trout Festival, but the item was moved to next month’s meeting as was the adoption of the Watershed Protection Plan and the GDOT memorandum of understanding.