Planning commission OKs road work near Interstate 20

The Columbia County Planning Commission approved final plats Thursday for the dedication of two rights of way, one of which is located near an already congested road.

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McKnight Properties Inc. received approval to its requested final plat of Mason McKnight Jr. Parkway, which would intersect Flowing Wells and Wheeler roads.

The road, previously named Wellsbo Court, will be used for a large commercial area near Interstate 20, including a CarMax dealership. The Georgia Department of Transportation will require the developer to complete major improvements to the intersection.

"Those improvements are designed to eliminate the potential for large amounts of traffic congestion that could back up into this development," said county planner Justin Snyder.

Flowing Wells Road might be widened into at least three lanes. Mason McKnight Jr. Parkway will border Richmond County.

Also at the meeting, planning commissioners approved a final plat for Ann Taylor Boulevard across from Club Car. The right-of-way, next to Ann Taylor BMW, off Washington Road, will provide service to the car dealership and adjacent shopping centers.

A preliminary plat for eight lots that would front the Savannah River in Sumter Landing was approved by the planning commission.

Jerry Ashmore, representing Sumter Landing Associates LLC, said there is no intent to develop the land but hopes a conservation easement will be granted to the property by the end of the year.

The planning commission also approved a rezoning from residential agriculture to special district for about 19 acres on Washington Road near Wildwood Park. Plans for the property include a commercial storage facility for boats and recreational vehicles. A second rezoning from single family residential to planned unit development was approved for a proposed subdivision on about 15 acres off South Old Belair Road.