Development Authority In Discussions About Gateway Business Park

The Oconee County Industrial Development Authority is in discussion with a potential purchaser or leaser of at least part of the eastern parcel of its Gateway Technology and Business Park on SR 316 on the southern edge of Bogart.

Following a 30 minute executive session last week, the Authority came back into open session to vote to transfer to the county an easement that would allow the county to extend sewer services to the parcel.

County Attorney Daniel Haygood, who participated in the executive session, said most of the time in the closed meeting was devoted to discussion of the proposed contract for the property.

Haygood said the sewer easement is part of the negotiations.

The Authority has had similar discussions about sale of the property in the past that have not materialized.

Haygood, following the executive session, also told the Authority that Westminster Presbyterian Homes Inc., which is building a large continuing care retirement community at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Hog Mountain Road, will be asking the Authority to issue an additional $10 million in bonds.

Haygood said Presbyterian Homes has “almost completely sold out” its existing inventory at its Presbyterian Village Athens and wants to add units included in the original plans but not part of the construction that is underway.

For more on the story, please go to Oconee County Observations.