Rezoning discussion postponed

A discussion on the rezoning of about 27 acres on Blanchard Road set for Tuesday's Columbia County Commission meeting has been postponed, possibly for good.

//

Superior Court Judge James G. Blanchard, Joe E. Blanchard and Billie June Morgan were asking the commission to rezone their property from residential to professional.

Many residents of the area have fought the rezoning and the Columbia County Planning Commission recently voted not to recommend the proposal; however, the final decision rests with the county commission.

Commission Chairman Ron Cross said last week that he had spoken with the Blanchard family and that it had asked the board to table the rezoning.

Judge Blanchard on Thursday confirmed that the family has asked to withdraw the rezoning request, but would not comment further on the issue.

Cross said he and other county officials intend to negotiate with the Blanchards to purchase the property for parks and green space.

The county purchased 153 acres in December 2002 from the family on Blanchard Road to build Blanchard Woods Park.

Officials are negotiating to buy an additional 35 acres from the Blanchards to add to the park.