West Lake neighbors speak out over new retail center plans
EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new retail center is under construction on Furys Ferry Road near the West Lake subdivision, and not everybody’s happy about it.
Neighbors say they’ve been battling the center since 2018, but the site plan was approved in May 2022.
Construction is underway with two buildings close to completion. Plans are already under review for a well-known local coffee shop to go in.
There will also be restaurants, stores and other businesses.
The developer is now asking Columbia County for a revision of plans to add square footage and allow a therapeutic massage business and outdoor fitness activities in common areas.
Neighbors spoke out with concerns over safety, flooding and revision of the plan.
Jennifer Lowers says she’s tired of seeing more buildings pop up near her backyard.
“What I’m already seeing, which really alarms me, is we’re seeing vacant properties and we know there’s become blight and dangerous to be around,” she said. “It can turn our dream home into a nightmare. If the property erodes, we can’t sell it. If the flood zones change, we’re not going to be able to sell it and we’re going to be locked in a home that no longer serves us and keeps our family safe.”
Flooding is also a concern for some with the lack of a retention pond. County officials say no retention pond is needed.
Crime is also a concern.
“We see more crime around those properties. We have one that’s been vacant since I moved here, so I have a concern of why we’re putting in more commercial properties when we’re struggling to fill the ones we have,” said Lowers.
A gate to give neighbors access to the area was part of the initial plans, but now it isn’t.
“I think in the future will be something that majority of residents will request. So I’m happy to just talk about that later when someone asks me for it versus me proposing it,” said Rafy Bassali, developer.
The emphasis was on not promoting neighbors bringing their golf carts out of the neighborhood and into the development. There was concern about accidents involving golf carts.
Bassali says in the end this area will be unique for those nearby.
“Live, work, play, a lot of people have a place of work and a place to live, but not a place for entertainment, restaurants, anything like that,” he says.
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