Thanks for posting this John.
One should note that the VDT was absent at
the LCBOC meeting on
August 13, when the
county commissioners approved the rezoning
request. This approval came after
we presented our concerns and
before
the period given by AFCEC for public comments
in regard to the
Environmental Assessment (EA) expired. No mention in the VDT on
August 14 about any of it, since no VDT reporter was present.
In regard to the EA and the possibilities to submit comments, it
should also be noted that
the phone number listed in the public announcement was incorrect.
Thus, any attempts to contact Mr. Allen
Richmond, the AFCEC representative, with this published phone number
were unsuccessful. We eventually received the correct phone number
with the help of Moody AFB personnel. While we were able to speak
once with Mr. Richmond and establish email contact, his ability (or
willingness?) to communicate was limited.
Moreover, we asked Mr. Allen Richmond on August 12 if we could see a
copy of the geotechnical report that seems to form the basis for the
conclusions given in the EA. Thus far this request has been
unsuccessful. The same is true for our request to receive a copy of
that geotechnical report from the developer, Mr. Balfour Beatty.
As
Mr. Kurrie, the lawyer representing the developer, informed us, his
client “is not subject to the Georgia Open Records Act”
since he is with a private company. However, if time is indeed of
the essence for this project and if this geotechnical report answers
our questions and addresses our concerns, why not share it …
unless you have something to hide?
One should also note that plans existed to visit the site for this
proposed housing project with representatives from Mood AFB as well
as ERDC. The first attempt was on August 14, and the second attempt
would have been today (August 28). However, both times the land
owner has denied Moody AFB permission to visit the site. Thus any
attempts by our department to help Moody AFB in the assessment of
the geotechnical/geohydrological situation have been unsuccessful.
Lastly, while the VDT was present at yesterday’s meeting and
received a copy of our comments, you would not be able to tell it
from this morning’s edition. The focus is on a proposed soccer
complex near Hahira. However, the proposed housing project on Val
Del Road, plus the concerns we have now made public, are not even
mentioned.
The experience of the last couple of weeks has again highlighted the
importance of transparency, due diligence, and communication
(including reporting).
Michael G. Noll, PhD
Geosciences, VSU