Lyons City Council OK’s Rezoning For Multifamily Rental Housing

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The Lyons City Council approved rezoning at the intersection of Bulldog Road and Parker Street to allow Stockyard Properties LLC to construct multifamily rental spaces. The action was taken at the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 7.

Previously, the zoning for this area was for commercial purposes, but now the location will house several multifamily rental units which the developer stated will be organized in a cul-de-sac fashion, with a grassy area in the center of the loop. The units will vary between two and three bedrooms and will feature garages and other amenities. When asked if he plans to sell the units in the future, the developer told the Council that he is not opposed to the idea, and hopes that the rentals bring in long-term tenant families.

Other Action Items

Property adjacent to the Calloway Center at Partin Park was purchased by the City from Wanda Dean, Cindy Burton, Ginger Maddox, and Tony Clark with the intent to create another entrance to the park, as the property connects to U.S. Highway 1.

An amendment was made to the ordinance regarding truck routes, as Oxley Drive became the third road on the city’s list of roads which heavy trucks may not pass through. This list includes Bulldog Road and Victory Drive. This amendment was passed to ensure that large semitrucks do not enter the newly-constructed roundabout in Lyons.

Qualifying fees were set at $108 for City Councilmen candidates and $180 for Mayoral candidates. City Council seats for Ward 3, currently occupied by Ivy Toole, and Ward 5, currently occupied by Rick Hartley, are both up for reelection this year, along with the Mayor’s seat. Qualifying will occur from August 21 until August 25, as the Lyons Voters Registrar’s Office, located at 125 W. Lincoln Avenue, will accept applications and fees from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Reports Recreation

Recreation Director James McGowan gave a detailed report of the activities of his department, and told the Council that he plans on reporting on a quarterly basis. He informed the Council of the new ESports option that the Recreation Department offers the public, as citizens of all ages may join and play online tournaments through their gaming systems at home.

McGowan also informed the Council that the number of middle school boys participating in the Recreation Department Baseball league had decreased, and he was not sure why. He said the department still plans on having a great baseball and softball season, as over 400 youth have already registered for the leagues.

Travel baseball and softball tournaments will return to Partin Park this year, as McGowan and Recreation Program Coordinator Ryan Brewer have been working together to plan the event that will be held later in the year.

The hitting facility and men’s bathroom at Partin Park have both received renovations, as McGowan demonstrated by showing the Council photographs of the improvements.

City Manager

City Manager Jason Hall announced that the Financial Committee will meet Thursday, February 16, at noon, while the next work session of the City Council will be Thursday, February 23, and the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7. Both City Council gatherings will occur at 6 p.m.

Hall told Council Members that the Lyons Development Authority will be hosting a Property Owner and Business Owner event on Tuesday, February 21, at 6 p.m. This event will be held at the new Lyons Main Street Office, which is adjacent to the current office.

Main Street

Lyons Main Street Association Director Daphne Walker told Council Members that the recent Southeast Soapbox Derby Rally Race brought competitors throughout the country, including one racer who traveled from California to race on the East Coast.

The cast from Tales From the Altamaha has been selected and has received scripts. Practices for the performance will begin on March 1.

Recognitions

The following employees were recognized for their anniversary of employment with the City: Lyons Police Chief Wesley Walker – 11 years, Firefighter Herb Ethridge – 4 years, Police Officer Randall Holcomb – 4 years, Recreation Department Worker Robert Linderman – 1 year.

Mayor Willis NeSmith extended condolences to the family and friends of longtime Fireman Leonard Runt Edenfield, who served with the Lyons Fire Department from February 20, 1967, until his health no longer allowed him to work in the recent years. Edenfield passed away last month.

Public Comments

Evelyn Trobridge asked the Mayor and Council to have her road, North Tenth Street, addressed, as the city has patched several pot holes, but these potholes continue to return. Mayor Ne-Smith assured Trobridge that he would look into the matter, and got her phone number so that he could remain in contact with her throughout the decisions being made.

CARPENTER SAYS GOODBYE — Bobbie Carpenter has worked in the Montgomery County Courthouse as the Registrar for 29 years, but said “goodbye” to the office on Friday, February 10, as the County completed its transition to the new Board of Elections office, located at 251 S. Richardson Street in Mount Vernon. Carpenter will continue to work for a short period with the new Elections Superintendent before fully retiring within the next few months.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

TEACHERS SORORITY DONATES TO DREAM CENTER — Mary Alice Wilder, left, presents a check to Peggy NeeSmith, Director of the Dream Center, right, which catered the luncheon for the Golden Isles District Meeting of Alpha Delta Kappa.

PAGEANT QUEEN — Tangela Doe, age 44, of Lyons, was crowned 2023 Tri-State U.S. United Ms. Georgia recently in McDonough. She will participate in the upcoming nationals on July 30, 2023, in Atlanta.