A sports complex planned for West Jackson once again got the stamp of approval from the Jackson County Board of Commissioners on Monday, July 21.
The request from Larry Beck for a map amendment change for the 21 acres at 8154 Hwy. 124 West was approved by the BOC in March, but the hearing on the request had been advertised incorrectly by the county. That led to the change being advertised again and another hearing held.
In addition to the map amendment change approval, the BOC agreed to his request to rezone the property from A-2 to NRC.
The project is slated to include soccer fields, baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts and a skate park.
At the hearing Monday night, Beck spoke on the project and presented a petition with signatures of 185 people supporting the development. Several people also spoke against the plans.
Beck said the sports complex would be offered for a fee to church leagues, old-timers leagues and others who want to hold a tournament. It will include softball, soccer and football fields and will be used by children and adults.
Adjacent property owner, Jerry Eidson, Hoschton, a 1964 graduate of Jackson County High School, spoke in favor of the project.
"I think this is an excellent opportunity for me to participate with my children and my grandchildren" he said. "I think this will be a real plus for the Western side of Jackson County."
Also speaking in favor of the request was Greg Mauldin, Hoschton.
"Kids can always use recreation. My children participate," he said. "There is never enough space. Park and recreation is over-crowded. I think it would be a great addition."
Mauldin added that tournaments would bring in tourism and money to the county, as well as jobs at the sports complex.
"I think it would be a great idea" he said.
OPPOSITION
George Mandrona was among those speaking in oppositon to the project.
"I agree we need facilities, but we don't need it in residential areas," he said. "This abuts at least one residential property. It will impact the whole neighborhood. It won't be that positive. It is not the place to put a sports complex. Too much traffic. Too might light. Too much potential for too many problems."
For more details, see the July 23 issue of The Braselton News.
