At the January 8, 2024, city commission meeting, Commissioner Mike Gowen was named mayor pro-tem for the year and the commission heard from David Daniel of Journey North Development regarding a new housing development slated for the city, among other items of business.
In January of each year, the commission approves a new mayor pro-tem for the calendar year. The commission votes on the mayor pro-tem via secret ballot. The mayor pro-tem stands in for the mayor in the event that the mayor cannot attend meetings, events, or sign documents. This year, the commission named Ward 4 Commissioner Mike Gowen as the 2024 mayor pro-tem.
Commissioners also voted on a request from Journey North Development, a housing developer that plans to build a 126-unit apartment complex on Lupo Lane in Douglas, regarding an exception to the city’s height variance for such construction. Currently the height is capped at 35 feet. Journey North is asking for an additional 4 ½ feet on the height of its complex.
David Daniel, representing Journey North, spoke to the commission Monday night. The company plans to have over 40 one bedroom units, over 70 two bedroom units, and at least 10 three bedroom units at the complex, which will be called Platform Douglas. Daniel stated that the apartments will be market rate units, meaning that the rent will be established by the existing housing market and the demand for housing. According to Daniel, rent on the apartments should be around $900 per month for one bedroom units and $1,100 per month for two bedroom units. He hopes to have the complex completed by 2026.
City manager Charlie Davis added that this request is one of many that commissioners will hear at future meetings. Douglas, like many communities, is facing a housing shortage. Developers are interested in coming to town. However, to accommodate the developers and the rising costs of construction, there will likely be more such items the commission will have to consider. “Over the next few months, you’ll probably be hearing several things about the relaxation of some things to attract more people who want to invest in the community. We’ll be looking at the heights and the widths to allow for more development,” said City Manager Charlie Davis.
After a public hearing on the matter, commissioners approved the request from Journey North unanimously.
In other business, the commission approved:
- The bid for the McNeal Drive improvement project. The low bidder was Griffin Grading & Concrete of Cordele in the amount of $1,760,148.57.
- The bid for the LMIG projects to East Coast Asphalt for $466,920.
- Submitting the 2024 Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) grant application.
- Increasing the Purchasing Department’s threshold on Okonite wiring from $30,000 to $60,000.
At the end of the work session, Bob Colton, a concerned citizen, spoke to the commission about his concerns regarding vehicles in town, primarily pickup truck drivers, revving their engines as they ride through town. Police chief Brannen Pruette stated that at the moment, there is no local ordinance prohibiting drivers from revving their motors. However, Commissioner Gowen, who used to be a police officer, stated that there is a local ordinance addressing exhaust system modifications that could be used to address such an issue. “That law, 40-6-14, sound volume limitation, says radio, tape player, or other mechanical sounding device or instrument. So that may also cover it as well,” said Commissioner Gowen. Chief Pruette said he would look closer at the issue.