The Challenge:
Variance Request to Camden County Planning Commission
Agenda link: http://camdencountyga.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12072016-72
CAMDEN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 6:00 PM
5) Hardship Variance – ZV2016 - 8 – Request from requirements of UDC Sec. 501(b)(3), to allow a 10 lot split with unpaved road frontage. The request is to allow subdivision on an unpaved road, since there are no paved streets on Cumberland Island. The property is 87.51 acres. Tax Parcel 181 006, Zoned C-P (Conservation Preservation). LUMAR LLC, owner. Vice-Chairman Elders made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Pocernik to allow a 10 lot split with unpaved road frontage. The motion carried unanimously. Minutes link: http://www.co.camden.ga.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1650
CAMDEN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 6:00 PM
5) Hardship Variance – ZV2016 - 8 – Request from requirements of UDC Sec. 501(b)(3), to allow a 10 lot split with unpaved road frontage. The request is to allow subdivision on an unpaved road, since there are no paved streets on Cumberland Island. The property is 87.51 acres. Tax Parcel 181 006, Zoned C-P (Conservation Preservation). LUMAR LLC, owner. Vice-Chairman Elders made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Pocernik to allow a 10 lot split with unpaved road frontage. The motion carried unanimously. Minutes link: http://www.co.camden.ga.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1650
Subsequent Comments Presented at County Commissioners Meeting - 7 Feb. 2017
Public Comments
(Minutes link: http://www.co.camden.ga.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1656 )
(Minutes link: http://www.co.camden.ga.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1656 )
- Attorney Bill Sapp, Southern Environmental Law Center Attorney Sapp introduced himself and stated that he was the Senior Attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. He explained that the Center practices in six (6) states with seventy-five (75) attorneys on staff. He stated that he is representing clients in opposition of the Cumberland Island Hardship Variance request. He stated that currently discussions with the applicant Lumar, LLC are progressing and there have been two (2) meetings so far; one (1) which took place in Atlanta and one (1) which took place in Camden County today. He stated that his firm, along with the National Park Conservation, would be meeting with the National Park Service representatives and talk further with Lumar, LLC later this week. He explained that the ultimate goal is to jointly come to an agreement to preserve natural and cultural aspects, yet still respect the interest of the holders. He stated that he hopes to work together and move forward as quickly as possible to a resolution.
- Don Barger, National Park Conservation Association Mr. Barger stated that he is the Southeast Regional Director for the National Park Conservation Association. He stated that the southeast is home to a quarter of the most beautiful national parks in our country, one of which is Cumberland Island. He stated that this is a controversial issue and he looks forward to continued discussions to find a resolution.
- Attorney Stephen Kinney, on behalf of Lumar, LLC Attorney Kinney stated that as Attorney Sapp indicated all parties are involved with trying to resolve this issue. He stated that the discussions are going well and he is very hopeful this matter can be resolved. He stated that he appreciates the Commissioners’ attention to this matter.
How can you affect the process and the results?
- Participate in public meetings. (The County Commissioners meet at 6:00 pm on the First and third Tuesday of each month in the Commission’s Chambers in Woodbine, Ga.)
- Share your opinion with your elected officials. (County Commissioner Contact info @ http://www.co.camden.ga.us/80/Commissioners)
- Share your opinion with the Superintendent of the Cumberland Island National Seashore: Gary Ingram. (Contact info @ https://www.nps.gov/cuis/contacts.htm )