Commission eyes zoning

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 9, 2001

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Jan. 8, 2001 10 PM

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A proposed subdivision is a step closer to becoming reality after weeks of discussion among Pike County commissioners.

Monday night, the Pike County Commission gave approval of a plat for nine lots presented by Greg Avant.

At the commission’s Nov. 30 meeting, Avant submitted a proposal to the commission regarding a subdivision with the streets being maintained by the developer. Then at the time of 80 percent sell off, the developer will either keep up the maintenance or turn it over to the Home Owners Association at the point of 80 percent sell off.

County engineer Herb Huner said the county’s current subdivision regulations do not allow for private streets and a request regarding that matter has been turned down in the past.

"Greg really has two requests before us," Huner said.

The first being the plat, which commissioners gave a nod to, pending final approval by county officials. The second matter is about the private streets, which is still being reviewed by County Attorney Allen Jones and Huner.

"Either we’re going to come back and abolish the regulations or make an exception to the regulations," Commission Chairman Willie Thomas said.

Thomas’ concern all along has been regarding the subdivision developer’s ownership of the roadways.

Avant said he has changed the original proposal to eliminate having ownership of the roadways ever given to the homeowners association.

But, he maintains as long as he is alive, the roadways will be appropriately maintained.

"I can’t guarantee what my kids’ grandkids are going to do," Avant told the commission.

In a past meeting, Thomas said he wants it "ironclad" that the county will never have to maintain the roadways in the proposed Mossy Oak Plantation subdivision.

Avant has tried to assure the commission he has "no desire to put in something we wouldn’t be proud of" in the proposed subdivision.

Huner said the roadways, once constructed, will have to be done so to a certain standard and be inspected even if the commission amends the current regulations to allow for private roadways.

Efforts are being made to make changes in the county’s regulations, but they have not been finalized.

In other business, the commission:

· Heard complaints regarding trash pickup and set a work session for 5:15 p.m., Jan. 16 to discuss the contract the county has with Mark Dunning Industries.

Commissioners have received numerous complaints regarding their trash pickup service.

· Presented a plaque to Jake Wingard of the city of Troy for his assistance to the county’s solid waste department.

· Approved travel to the Ad Valorem Education and Certification Program Jan. 22-26 and Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.

· Awarded the bid for five Sheriff’s Department vehicles to Ken Cox Ford. The vehicles are being purchased with grant funds.

· Was told renovation of the Pike County Courthouse is on schedule and should be completed by the first of April.

· Members were informed by County Administrator Steve Hicks that he is working to set up an appointment with the legislative delegation to discuss matters for the upcoming session.

· Appointed Troy Fire Chief Ray Rhodes and Johnny Gibson of the Pike County Fire Fighters to the E-911 Board. The appointments are by position, such as the fire chief and a representative of the Fire Fighters Association.

· Tabled the matter of increasing mileage reimbursement.

· Passed a resolution voicing favor of the Interstate 10 corridor/Limited Access Highway Project.