Zoning for subdivision gets initial OK

A new subdivision that will include trails that link to the Augusta Canal is being planned for the Evans-to- Locks Road area.

The development, which will include 93.6 acres and 172 lots, received preliminary approval for a rezoning at Columbia County's Planning Commission meeting Thursday night.

The rezoning at 3410 Evans-to-Locks Road, which proposes a change from single-family residential to single-family residential with a residential cluster overlay, will now go before the board of commissioners for final approval Tuesday.

"We want to include a nature park, paved walking trails and connect the neighborhood to the Augusta Canal," said Keith Lawrence, a developer for CSRA Development, LLC and Meybolm Realtors.

Lawrence told planning commissioners the project will "in no way diminish the property value" of the area. Instead, he said, the project will be an asset to the community.

"These house values will go very well with the houses that are already there," he said. "We want this to be a nice (development) where families can enjoy a place to come back to."

Planning commissioners unanimously approved the request.