Commission Denies Rezone Request For Shopping Center On Connector

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners, in a 3 to 1 vote Tuesday night, turned down the rezone request by Maxie Price’s Deferred Tax LLC for a rezone of nearly 47 acres at the corner of the Oconee Connector and Mars Hill Road.

Commissioner Chuck Horton made the motion for the denial after a
public hearing and discussion among the commissioners that lasted nearly 90
minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mark Saxon.

Commissioner Amrey Harden joined in the vote to deny the change
that would have allowed for a development that included a Publix, two hotels,
restaurants, retail outlets, and a car dealership.

Commissioner Mark Thomas cast the only vote against the motion to
deny the request.

Four citizens spoke against the rezone request, with traffic
dominating their concerns.

Only land planner Ken Beall, representing Price, advocated for the
project.

For more on the story, please go toOconee County Observations.