Evans council approves preschool expansion and residential lot revisions on Roundtree Parkway

The Columbia County Planning Commission convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on temporary use authorizations and zoning revisions.

The meeting commenced with a proposal for temporary structures related to the Augusta Tournament. Staff presented a recommendation for approval of these structures, which included a security checkpoint tent for event attendees entering via Champions Parkway. After a brief discussion, the commission unanimously approved the temporary use authorizations.

Following this, the commission reviewed a major revision request for the property located at 562 Roundtree Way, currently zoned S-1 and utilized by InFocus Church. The proposed revision aims to add a preschool with a playground to the existing church facilities. The preschool is set to operate Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, ensuring that parking availability aligns with church activities. The commission noted that the site is situated within the Evans Activity Center, which supports mixed-use development. After hearing from the applicant, Heather Huggins, the commission voted in favor of the revision.

The final agenda item involved a request for a major revision at 2571 William Few Parkway, transitioning the property from a planned unit development intended for a funeral home to three single-family residential lots. The commission discussed the property's history, noting that the original plan for a funeral home was no longer viable without an accompanying cemetery. The proposed subdivision into three one-acre residential lots was deemed appropriate given the surrounding residential area. The commission approved the revision, applying R-1 zoning standards to the new lots.

In summary, the meeting addressed significant developments in temporary use authorizations and zoning revisions, reflecting the commission's ongoing efforts to adapt land use in response to community needs. The next steps will involve implementing the approved changes and monitoring their impact on the local area.