Buford City Commission blocks auto shop expansion

BUFORD - The Buford Collision Center's attempt to expand part of its operations to a neighboring office building on South Lee Street ended Monday night when the City Commission denied its request.

A privately owned firm, McFarland-Dyer and Associates, determined that “the proposed expansion should have no impact on the existing use…of adjacent or nearby property.” However, in prior meetings, area business owners disagreed and raised concerns over noise and parking.

City Planners previously rejected the proposal.

Two insurance companies already occupy part of the building that the shop proposes to use. A spokesman for the collision center promised to install an extra sound buffer.

The commissioners ultimately denied the request. The vote was unanimous.
Chairman Phillip Beard summarized the board’s opinion, saying, “It’s not a compatible use.”

BOND ISSUE ON THE BALLOT TUESDAY

Buford residents have an extra incentive to go to the polls on Tuesday. In addition to the presidential primaries, Beard is encouraging citizens to approve a bond issue to finance the construction of an arena and administrative complex at Buford High School as part of the city’s long-term building plan.

“This will just allow us to occupy the facility three or four years in advance of really actually paying for all of it,” Beard said. Commissioners expect future SPLOST revenue to finance the bonds. People who voted early in the primaries can return to the polls to cast their vote on the issue.

ALSO ON THE AGENDA

The Board approved Billy and Louena Titshaw’s request to annex a 0.687 acre parcel into the city in order to be a part of a large retail development at the intersection of Hamilton Mill Road and South Bogan Road. The land’s zoning was changed from “single family residential” to “general business” to accommodate the proposed use.

Commissioners conditionally approved Ray Page’s request to reduce the minimum lot area and width in the single family residential-zoned property on Espy Street to permit the development of six residential lots. The homes must have a minimum heated floor space of 1,800 square feet.

The commission approved the Department of Community Affairs Local Assistance grant for $30,000 worth of parking improvements along Main Street.