The rezoning of Jones County’s first industrial park was finalized Tuesday night with a unanimous affirmative vote by county commissioners at the meeting.

Commissioner David Gault did not attend the meeting due to illness and Chairman Preston Hawkins chooses not to vote unless his vote is needed to break a tie. The result was a 3-0 vote to approve the rezoning of the 972 acre tract from AG-1 (agricultural) to M-2 (general industrial). The property is located on Highway 57.

Development Authority Executive Director Pam Christopher began the presentation to the board members by citing the positive recommendation for the industrial park by the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center following its review of the Development of Regional Impact of the property.

She also explained the results of an environmental site assessment by Geotechnical and Environmental Consultants of Macon. Christopher said the Georgia Regional Industrial Park property was identified in the 1980’s by Georgia Power and Oglethorpe Power as one of the region’s top development sites, and was selected by the independent firm of McCallum Sweeny Consulting as the number one potential site during the Central Georgia Regional Economic Development Summit this past March.

Development Authority Chairman Greg Mullis talked about a proposal to construct a fire station in the industrial park, and the support of Norfolk Southern in future development of rail service to the site.

Mullis said Norfolk Southern lines go directly to Savannah which makes the rail access even more important.

Charles Harrington spoke in opposition to the rezoning. He asked the commissioners if the county allows rezoning before problems such as the trash found on the site is addressed. He also said no price structure has been given for the roads, and he also wanted to know the cost of a new water tank and new fire station.

“You are talking millions of dollars. The county floated the bonds to purchase the property, and I understand now they are out of money,” Harrington stated. “My main objection is how many millions are we going to spend on the project?”

Board of Education Chairman Ted Stone spoke in favor of the project as did Martha Bond Branson, Chris Smarr and Jonathan Pitts. All spoke about the need for industry to help take the tax burden off of property owners.

“We are going to grow, and we need to grow smart,” Smarr said.

“I look at this as an investment in Jones County,” Pitts added.

Howard Baker and Mark Cook were opposed to the rezoning. Baker said he is concerned with the safety of the four of nine county wells near the park. Cook told the commissioners they should not vote for industry in one end of the county because they voted against it in another portion.

Barbara Davis lives closest to the site of the industrial park.

“If this was in your back yard, you would be against it too. It’s behind me and beside me,” Davis said. “I have already been exposed to what is coming from the timber trucks that have been going in there.”

Mullis said the Authority has addressed Davis’s concerned as she has reported them.

“We have tried and will continue to do our best to be a good neighbor,” Mullis added.