Commissioners Approve Shopping Center And Car Museum

Oconee County commissioners, with minimal discussion, unanimously approved the request for a shopping center at the intersection of Lenru Road and Malcom Bridge Road and for a museum, office, and events venue at Cole Springs Road and Snows Mill Road.

Just fewer than 50 citizens turned out for the meeting, about half of them interested in the shopping center decision, despite their having been told in advance it was unlikely they would get a chance to speak. They did not get that chance.

Only two people–both in opposition–spoke on the museum, office and events venue rezone put forward by prominent businessman and land owner Tony Townley.

Jeff Carter, from Carter Engineering, representing Townley, told the commissioners that the museum, at least initially, might be open only one day a week and will be available to groups “by appointment only.”

Carter did go along with a Planning and Code Enforcement staff condition on the rezone that could limit the size of the crowds at events Townley holds at the museum.

For more on the story, with a video of the Commission meeting, please go to Oconee County Observations.

Pictured: A barn that has been renovated for the museum.