West Jackson overlay hearing draws a crowd
Tougher development standards proposed
BY KERRI TESTEMENT
Jackson County officials are proposing an overhaul of how new commercial developments along two key roads in Hoschton and Braselton will look – but they are asking for the public’s help.
A standing-room only crowd packed the Hoschton Depot Tuesday night to listen to the county’s plans for overlay districts on Ga. Hwy. 53 and Ga. Hwy. 124. The audience also provided plenty of comments about the how new commercial projects in the emerging area should look.
“We’re finding out tonight what you want,” said Jackson County commissioner Bruce Yates, who represents the Braselton-Hoschton area.
Overlay districts impose more stringent zoning standards in a specific area. The standards in an overlay district are included in the existing zoning regulations and typically address architectural standards, buffers, lighting, signage and parking.
Jackson County is proposing two overlay districts along Hwy. 124 and Hwy. 53 for unincorporated properties.
The Hwy. 124 overlay district would begin from the Braselton town limits and extend east to Jefferson, ending at Doster Road. The Hwy. 53 overlay district would extend from the Hall County line to the Barrow County line.
Braselton and Hoschton already have overlay districts in portions of their city limits.
Braselton has overlay districts along Ga. Hwy. 211 and in downtown. The town is also considering a proposed overlay district for Hwy. 53 in its town limits. The Braselton Planning Commission is expected to hear that proposal in May, according to mayor Pat Graham.
Jackson County is using Braselton’s overlay district standards to model its plans along Hwy. 53 and Hwy. 124.
Frank Etheridge, county planning manager, asked audience members on Tuesday for their opinions on a number of existing commercial projects in West Jackson. He asked for comments on specific aspects of the structures, such as building materials, landscaping, lighting and parking spaces.
But the hearing also steered to other comments about Jackson County, including property assessments, greenspace, land for new schools, attracting specific business industries and traffic.
Commissioner Yates said some of those issues should be addressed in the county’s comprehensive plan and not during the overlay process. At times, he reminded the audience to stay focused on the overlay district standards.
Mayor Graham said the meeting was a good start for the county, since it’s the first overlay district proposed for unincorporated Jackson County. She added that more citizens probably understand the concept of an overlay district.
“An overlay puts strong enough parameters so that it has very high standards for commercial development and to minimize residential impact,” Graham said.
Etheridge said he plans to hold another public hearing on the proposed overlay districts in six weeks. No date has been announced. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners and planning commission will also hold required public hearings on the proposals.
Yates and Etheridge continue to seek public comments about the proposed overlay districts.
To make a comment, contact Yates at byates@jacksoncountygov.com or 706-367-6312, or Etheridge at fetheridge@jacksoncountygov.com or 706-367-8985.
