GREENE COUNTY
If there ever was a doubt Greene County – with its manicured subdivisions, lakeside beauty and enviable location among east and west neighbors Augusta and Atlanta was growing – recent preliminary plat approvals dispel that.
With the mixed-use development Airabella going up on Linger Longer Road and offering presale on key lots and the proposed Kolter development of 1,400 single-family homes adjacent to Harbor Club, more than 250 preliminary plots have been approved at the last two county commission meetings.
Signaling expected growth, many residents feel the area is growing too quickly and needs significant infrastructure improvement to meet the building demands.
“With an expected price range of $500,000 and more per unit, over a million dollars will be generated to our tax digest once the properties are built out,” said Chris Edwards, special assistant to County Manager Byron Lombard. “When distributed, the county will incur roughly one-fourth of that tax revenue.”
David DuBois, economic development director for Greene County, sees a need for more affordable housing to complement what is known to be an expensive enclave of homes in the area.
“Several planned residential developments are planned for the county,” he said. “Many people I have spoken with in the community are seeing a great need for affordable housing for our educators, police officers, firefighters and others wanting to purchase a home here.”
With the construction underway for a new Longhorn Steakhouse on Highway 44 and the completion of Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks along the main Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) corridor, it is apparent that Greene County is also popular for commercial development.
According to Dubois, the county is expected to see continued growth, and he continues receiving requests for information from industrial companies interested in Greene County.
“I believe we will see significant growth continue in the next 5-10 years and beyond in Greene County,” Dubois said.
Recent plats receiving approval include:
• Final plat approval given to Pulte Homes LLC, Del Webb at Lake Oconee, Phase II, 29 Lots
• Preliminary plat approval to Pulte Homes LLC, Del Webb at Lake Oconee, Phase III, 117 lots on 52.62 acres
• Final plat approval given to Oconee Land Development Company LLC, Horseshoe Bend, Reynolds, two lots
• Preliminary plat approval to Oconee Land Development Company LLC, Richland Terrace, Section I, 13 lots on 15.39 acres, Reynolds
• Preliminary plat approval given to PLC LLC/Georgia Capital, Oakdale Forest subdivision, 186 lots on 78.3 acres, Carey Station Road
• Preliminary plat approval given to Oconee Land Development Company LLC, Howell’s Grove, 25 lots on 28.33 acres, Reynolds