Planning Commission Approves Townley Request For Museum

Oconee County planners told the county’s Planning Commission last week that they were recommending approval of Tony Townley’s request for a car museum on 11.1 acres surrounding by farmland only on the condition that it not include an events venue.

The planners said that use of the land on Snows Mill Road at Cole Springs Road for public events is incompatible with surrounding land use and that the 151 parking spaces are sufficient for the Museum and existing office but not for events that could attract large numbers of visitors.

Jeff Carter of Carter Engineering, who is representing Townley in the rezone request for what is being called the Eastville Car Museum, said Townley had held events on the property already, including a fundraiser, and parking had not been a problem.

Carter said the facilities that will make up the museum could accommodate up to 1,000 people.

Carter said if the county did not allow Townley to hold events on the site, Townley would withdraw the proposal for the car museum.

The Planning Commission sided with Townley, voting 7 to 2 to recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it approve the Townley rezone and allow for events at the museum.

Planning Commission members said that the problem of parking--and others such as the adequacy of the septic system and whether the buildings meet fire code–could be addressed as the project progresses.

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

Pictured: Restored University of Georgia Red Barn.