Tag Archives: Tim Blanton

Videos: 3 rezonings, 1 Utility Easement Termination, Orr Road Bids, Backup Generators for Pruitt Health Facilities @ LCC Regular 2026-02-10

Two weeks ago at their Regular Session, the Lowndes County Commissioners discussed for nine minutes 5.c. REZ-2026-03 Villanueva Property, 6201 Union Rd, 6ac, E-A to C-G., mostly about fence colors. They ended up approving the rezoning with the staff-recommended conditions, except not the one about fence color.

They also talked for six and a half minutes about the agenda item they added, 6.b. Temporary Burn Ordinance.

Gretchen Quarterman noted, “There have been over 100 grass fires so far this year. Lowndes County (and surrounding counties) is in extreme drought. This temporary ordinance is made in conjunction with Georgia Forestry to protect property, people, resources, etc. This burn ban includes “recreational” fired and fires inside of a burn barrel. It does not ban outdoor grilling of food. (or so I thought I heard).”

She added, “The text of the county FB post is as follows:”

“Due to prolonged dry weather and worsening drought conditions, outdoor burning of yard debris is now restricted in the unincorporated areas of Lowndes County. To reduce wildfire risks and protect public safety, property, and natural resources, all open burning of yard debris, including leaves, limbs, grass, and other vegetative matter, is prohibited within the unincorporated area of Lowndes County until drought conditions improve.”

They passed all the agenda items unanimously.

Collage @ LCC 10 February 2026

Three citizens wished to be heard: Gretchen Quarterman about solid waste and recycling, Mary Roe about Paving of Green Road, and Joel Deon about Data Center concerns.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

Videos: 3 rezonings, 1 Utility Easement Termination, Orr Road Bids, Backup Generators for Pruitt Health Facilities @ LCC Work 2026-02-09

Packet: 3 rezonings, 1 Utility Easement Termination, Orr Road Bids, Backup Generators for Pruitt Health Facilities @ LCC 2026-02-09

Update 2026-02-21: Videos: 3 rezonings, 1 Utility Easement Termination, Orr Road Bids, Backup Generators for Pruitt Health Facilities @ LCC Work 2026-02-09.

The big-budget item is $477,896.15 to Reames & Son Construction from TSPLOST for 7.a. PI #0016273, Transportation Investment Act (TIA) Orr Road Bids.

The $1,470,216.00 for 7.b. Emergency Backup Generators at Pruitt Health Facilities is to be completely reimbursed by $1,088,903.00 from HMGP Funding, $217,781.00 from GEMA Funding, and $233,126.00 from Pruitt Health.

In July 2019, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners approved the submittal of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) application on behalf of Pruitt Health Corporation to fund the installation of emergency backup generators at five skilled nursing facilities located within Lowndes County. These facilities provide critical care to vulnerable populations, making continuity of power during emergencies a key resiliency priority.

In January 2025, Lowndes County was notified that the HMGP application had been awarded. As part of the grant structure, Lowndes County will administer the project and pay the selected contractor, with eligible costs reimbursed through a combination of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) funding. Any costs not reimbursed through FEMA or GEMA will be the responsibility of Pruitt Health. As a result, Lowndes County will receive 100 percent reimbursement for the project through the combined participation of FEMA, GEMA, and Pruitt Health, with no net financial impact to the County.

Packet: 3 rezonings, Utility Easement Termination, Orr Road Bids, Pruitt Health Backup Generators, @ LCC 2026-02-09

Here is the agenda.

The board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request, is on the LAKE website.

Videos: Branham subdivision, Bemiss Knights Academy, Lake Park @ GLPC 2015-09-28

Almost half an hour on the Bill Branham subdivision on Copeland Road resulted in a split denial: the only denial in this Planning Commission Regular Session.

Slightly less time on the Charles Bennett accessory dwelling unit on Green Meadown Drive got unanimous approval with staff conditions.

Ten minutes on the Clint Joyner’s request for Knight’s Development’s 30-acre subdivision rezoning on Bemiss Knights Academy Road got unanimous approval. About the same on Tim Blanton’s rezoning of 45+ acres to residential agriculture passed unanimously. Ditto rezoning for Richard Bonner’s rezoning for a fast-growth corridor between Highway 84 and Interstate 75. Less time for Jon Nijem’s expanded parking on Baytree Road to pass unanimously.

Keith Sandlin’s Lake Park case did sail through, as did John Thomas’ rezoning for a showroom for his show car business.

Commissioner Willis’ term was coming up for reappointment.

Below are links to each LAKE video with a very few notes, followed by a LAKE video playlist. See also the Continue reading →

Lake Park dwelling in commercial zone, 4 Valdosta, 4 County @ GLPC 2015-09-28

I’d guess the Lake Park case will breeze through tonight. The cases are more complicated, a couple with multiple parcels, and the Lowndes County cases are all big: 18-43 acres. Here’s the GLPC agenda that appeared on the county’s website Friday without anybody having to ask!

Greater Lowndes Planning Commission
Lowndes County City of Valdosta City of Dasher City of Hahira City of Lake Park
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
AGENDA
Lowndes County South Health District Administrative Office
325 West Savannah Avenue
Monday, September 28, 2015 * 5:30 P.M. * Public Hearing
Continue reading →

On the LAKE front

Citizen dialog for transparent process by the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange