Latest news with #RoxanneWhitaker
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Annexation request could nearly double the size of Harlem
HARLEM, Ga. (WJBF) – The City of Harlem is getting ready to discuss an annexation plan that could double the size of the city. More than 700 acres of land near Harlem High School (along Clary Cut Road) is the talking point for city leaders. While they're optimistic about the possibilities, they say they're waiting on key discussions to happen first. This started last year, when a land owner came to Mayor Roxanne Whitaker and city leaders, asking what they would accept if he were to annex his property into the city. 'We told him nothing less than half acre lots. Now he has come and asked to annex into the city, but he has given us no preliminary plans of what he wishes to do with that property,' said Whitaker. The property owner then sent an application in March to annex the land into city limits. After notifying Columbia County commissioners, the city got a request to expand from the developer, Log Creek Properties, LLC. For Harlem residents, the annexation could mean more housing, which in turn could lead to more foot traffic in the town and economic benefits. City leaders are exploring the possibilities, but they want to maintain their small-town charm. 'It would be a plus. Of course, we welcome anyone to our city, and we consider those outside of our city limits Harlem people—so it would just add to our charm. We are striving to keep that small town hospitality that we're known for, and I do believe our downtown still promotes that,' Whitaker said. It's also another opportunity for growth in the town after a setback because of Hurricane Helene. The city was planning to use the old North Harlem Elementary School property as the site of a multi-purpose park, but the hurricane turned it into a debris site—and now they're back to square 1. 'We are hoping to be finishing that up soon, and our engineer says he is almost ready to start work when given the all clear,' said Whitaker. In the meantime, the mayor says city leaders are ready to hear from both sides of the aisle about this massive annexation. 'I want to hear what he wants to do with the property and engage it from there. I've already heard from several citizens who aren't for it—and I understand, because everybody likes Harlem to stay the same. But if we don't grow, we'll die,' Whitaker said. Whitaker and city council members will discuss the annexation plan at their next meeting on April 28th at 6:30 PM at the Harlem Public Safety Building. They will take input from the public, but they need to sign up by 2 PM Friday. A public hearing is scheduled for May 6th, and a second reading will happen during the regular meeting on May 22nd. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
People of Harlem react to possible Highway 221 widening project
HARLEM, Ga (WJBF)- A new road widening project could be coming to Columbia County soon. Commissioners voted Tuesday to send a letter of support to the GDOT about the possible work to Highway 221 and committed to contributing $2 million. Now the people of Harlem are reacting to the potential project. They know that, like it or not, growth is inevitable. Because of that many said they support the Department of Transportation doing work on Highway 221, especially if it makes one notorious intersection safer. 'We have one of the most dangerous intersections in the county at North Fairview and 221. The last report I received is we're seeing about two accidents a week,' explained Mayor Roxanne Whitaker. Hometown History: The Boyhood Homes of a President and Supreme Court Justice Many of the accidents where North Fairview and Old Union Road intersect with Highway 221 have caused serious injury or have been fatal. Mayor Whitaker said the intersection has been a problem for decades. 'Most of the solutions that DOT have attempted are laughable at best. And that is not being addressed to meet the safety issues that our residents face every day.' Right now there are no definitive plans from the GDOT regarding what they want to do and Mayor Whitaker said she would need to see plans before she decides whether or not to support the work. One business owner says widening 221 through downtown Harlem is not feasible. 'Parts of our downtown wouldn't be possible to enlarge or widen. Physically there are buildings in the way. And so, some sort of a detour, bypass around the town road may be needed,' said Renee Meyer Dean, owner of Red Oak Manor. AU starts off Sexual Assault Awareness month observation with 'Clothesline Project' Another dangerous location that many are concerned about is the area through Harlem Middle School and Harlem High School. There is some concern about safety if the road becomes four lanes through there, many thinking a different solution would be safer. 'I think a lot of the high school traffic could be alleviated with some sort of a plan. Again, with that Clary Cut, Fairview, Old Union, something…where most- maybe most of the traffic does exit the side of the school into a roundabout,' Dean offered. NewsChannel 6 also talked to commissioner Alison Couch who told us that right now the project is in the very early stages of planning. She added that the commission would need to see a drafted plan in order to fully support any road construction to the area. Commissioner Couch also said the DOT needs to talk to the city, the county and the school board about the project and address the biggest concerns. She added that when the time comes there will be public meetings about the 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
