Andy Barrs
Andy Barrs proposed a development project at the Economic Development Authority meeting on Tuesday night.
Barrs, CEO of Barrs Industries, said he owns a 114-acre plot of land that borders U.S. Highway 78 and Arnoldsville Road. He said about 35-40% of the property sits within the Arnoldsville city limits.
Barrs said he sees the land as an “opportunity to serve the county,” so he was seeking feedback on his proposal and wanted to collaborate with the county to meet its needs. Barrs said he plans to develop the plot himself, but hopes to gain the EDA’s “blessing.”
“I’m not trying to impose a vision,” he said. “I’ve lived in the county and owned property in the county for about a dozen years or better. And I’d love to get feedback as to how this property could be beneficial to the county.”
Barrs had several possible concepts for the development:
- a 50-lot housing development with options for single and multi-family homes.
- a commercial area in the plot’s southeast corner that could include a general store.
- inclusion of health care resources, as Barrs said the county is a “desert when it comes to health care.”
Barrs, who provided information packets to the EDA board, said he hopes the development attracts commerce and increases tax revenue for the county.
“I only want to do something that would be a true asset to the community,” Barrs said.
The EDA agreed to review his proposal and continue conversations about the development.
“I think everyone here definitely wants to see some mixed-use development, something other than just a bunch of rooftops,” said Will Brown, EDA chair and District 4 commissioner.
In other business, the EDA:
- Heard an update on The Wolfskin Solar Project, a solar farm on Double Bridges Road, which is “about ready to turn the switch on,” said Jeff Sharp, code compliance officer. The solar farm passed required testing after self-reporting any issues to the Environmental Protection Division and correcting them. The Wolfskin Solar Project is now waiting on grass to grow in and cover the site before activating, Sharp said.
- Learned that the The Timberland Solar Project, a solar farm on Goose Pond Road, is undergoing pending litigation with numerous adjoining landowners. “It’s gonna get worse before it gets better, but it will get finished someday,” Sharp said.
- Discussed the ongoing status of the EDA’s lawsuit against Paladin. The EDA filed a lawsuit against the broadband company last August after it failed to meet initial agreement requirements. An executive session was called to discuss the case.
- Agreed to conduct a survey to collect data on preferred types and locations for new businesses. The EDA hopes the information will aid those interested in starting a business. The board plans to hire a company to create the survey and expects to promote it on social media and in The Oglethorpe Echo. A budget and timeline will be discussed in subsequent meetings.