Unique Housing Plans Tabled in Lyons

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The installation of a unique modular home development was tabled at the meeting of the Lyons City Council on Tuesday, March 5, after the Council agreed that Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr., City Manager Jason Hall, and Developer Win Tippett should meet to further discuss the development plan.

This plan includes the construction of 12 singlefamily modular homes, which range in size from 400 to 800 square feet. These homes are expandable container homes, meaning they are created in another area and shipped here to be installed as home units for families. They are larger than the state’s definition of a tiny home, which requires the house’s square footage to be less than 400 sq. ft., but are significantly smaller than the traditional home. The total property which this development would occupy is less than acre at its location at 318 North Lanier Street in Lyons.

Tippett, who represents Rocky Creek Investments Inc., first introduced the project several months ago, as City Manager Jason Hall informed the Council that his plans for these unique homes was utilized as a part of the Toombs County Development Authority’s recent housing study. “These units will directly address the recommendations of the recent housing study conducted by the Toombs County Development Authority,” Tippett echoed in his written request.

He went before the Lyons Planning and Zoning Board last month after placing a model of the homes at the potential development site. Upon this placement, the Board contacted Tippett and issued a work stoppage notice, as they encouraged him to submit a major development plan for the project. Tippett obliged, as he submitted a partial development plan detailing Phase 1 of the project to the Board but is continuing to develop the latter phases.

Councilman John Moore Jr. shared his concerns with Tippett regarding the project, as he said that the lack of a complete development plan worried him, as he needed assurance that the project would be completed. He explained to Tippett that normally, with large developments, a construction and/or engineering firm is bonded for the project, which provides assurance that the project will be completed. Yet, because Tippett’s plan did not require a major construction firm’s assistance, another assurance of that completion would need to be given. “I’m not trying to stop your project – I’m just trying to make sure if we do this, it’s going to be completed,” he emphasized.

Other council members also asked Tippett various questions about the project, from plans to the regulations and approval which the Department of Community Affairs would need to issue the homes in order for them to be deemed livable. Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr. also told Tippett that he had heard concerns from many citizens about the outward appearance of these unique structures.

Ultimately, Tippett agreed to meet with the Mayor and City Manager to work to further develop plans and assurance that the project will be completed efficiently. The Council tabled the development’s approval until the next meeting to allow time for those plans to be made and submitted.

During the meeting, the Council also agreed to accept the Lyons Planning and Zoning Board’s denial of a zoning variance for Broken Halo Trust to place a preconstructed cabin on Magnolia Street in Lyons. The Board denied the request on the basis that they did not believe the proposed home fit the guidelines of the area’s zoning, as they referenced the ordinance which states that similar homes to those already constructed should be built within neighborhoods. No one from Broken Halo Trust was at the meeting to speak on the request.

Council members also approved to begin hearings to abandon a portion of Commerce Drive to allow an industrial structure to be built. This abandonment was requested by the Toombs County Development Authority, as they work to continue to bring new industry into the area. The Council scheduled a public hearing for the matter for Tuesday, March 12, at 5:15 p.m., and will make an official vote on the matter at a later date.

Roberts Civil Engineering was selected to help draft and submit an application for Lyons to be designated as a Plan First Community, which will help the city with future grant applications. The firm was also selected to serve the city for a year, during which they will routinely apply for grants. The total cost for these services is $44,950.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. at the City Hall.

PROPOSING UNIQUE OPTIONS – Developer Win Tippett spoke to the council about his unique container homes which he hopes to develop within the city.Photo by Makaylee Randolph