Despite concerns from residents and planning commissioners, the Hall County Planning Commission voted Monday to recommend approval of a special use that would allow for boat and auto sales and detailing on a small lot on Browns Bridge Road.
Laurie Dovey was at the meeting representing Crisp Boat and Auto, LLC, saying the business is looking to operate on a roughly half-acre piece of property on the north side of Browns Bridge Road next to Trudy Circle. Nearby resident Joe Twiggs said he was worried about road safety because another business dealing with boats already operates next door.
"Marine and auto businesses are always over the right of way," Twiggs said. "There's always trouble out there, there's always wrecks out there, and you have another one right there within that same space and you've got nothing but problems."
Planning commissioners agreed that there were concerns with the proposal, but disagreed on whether to approve it. Planning Commissioner Johnny Varner made a motion to recommend denial of the request, but that motion was voted down 3-2. After more deliberation, Frank Sosebee made a motion to recommend approval with the condition that the owners not store more than 6 vehicles at a time in the front parking lot of the property. That motion was approved.
Most of the Planning Commission's concerns were about road safety as well as the overall appearance of the area.
"The whole area right there needs to be cleaned up. It needs a lot of marshall work," Planning Commission Chairman Don Smallwood said.
The request will go before the Hall County Commission for a final vote at its June 28 voting session.
