Category Archives: Water

Packet: Lake Laurie Drive case withdrawn, another Valdosta case, 2 county cases @ GLPC 2026-03-30

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The controversial subdivision application on Lake Laurie Drive was withdrawn by applicant. It will still appear on the agenda for tonight’s GLPC and the April 9th Valdosta City Council meetings, but there’s nothing to vote on.

Also on the agenda for the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) is another Valdosta rezoning and two Lowndes County subdivisions. That’s 5:30 PM, Monday, March 30, 2026, at 325 West Savannah Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia.

[LAKE Collage @ GLPC 2026-03-30]
LAKE Collage @ GLPC 2026-03-30

Matt Martin wrote on March 4, 3026,“Please note that for case # VA-2026-02, there is also a separate packet for ‘public response items” which is dated March 22nd. Public response emails and letters continue to flow in to my office and I will be updating (& redistributing) this packet periodically between now and the GLPC public hearing. I will try to remember to include you on the re-distribution list as each of these revised packets come out.”

Later this came in:

Fri, Mar 27, 4:59 PM

ALL:

FYI. Attached is a copy of the applicant’s email “withdrawing” this rezoning request. Because it was an advertised public hearing, we will keep it listed on the GLPC and April 9th City Council agendas, but there will be no presentation/hearing, no discussion, and no action will be taken.

If the applicant chooses to resubmit the same or a different request for this property in the future, they will have to start all over again from scratch; new Pre-Application meeting, new application submittal, new fees, new advertisement, etc… Such requests are processed in monthly cycles. The next possible (earliest) submittal deadline date is April 15th. This would equate to a GLPC hearing date of 5/26, and City Council hearing date of 6/11. “If” a new request does get submitted, it will be fully advertised in a similar manner as before. Continue reading →

Rezoning encroachment condition alleged on potential datacenter property @ LCC 2026-03-24

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There was a somewhat startling citizen report about the possible future datacenter site at the Tuesday evening Regular Session of the Lowndes County Commission.

[Encroachment alleged on rezoning condition of potential datacenter property @ LCC 2026-03-24]
Encroachment alleged on rezoning condition of potential datacenter property @ LCC 2026-03-24

In Citizens Wishing to Be Heard, Tetiana Babcock, who owns land southeast of the prospective datacenter land on Coleman Road, said the vegetative buffer approved last July had apparently been violated, and possible even logging trucks had encroached on her property between the railroad and the Withlacoochee River, on March 9, 2026. Continue reading →

Videos: Datacenter, paving, grants, breeding, health, 4 Board Appointments, 1 Alcohol, 1 Easement Exchange, 2 Solid Waste Franchises @ LCC Regular 2026-03-24

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There was a somewhat startling citizen report about the possible future datacenter site at the Tuesday evening Regular Session of the Lowndes County Commission. See other post for Tetiana Babcock.

The Commissioners breezed through all the voting items with unanimous approval. Except Commissioner Joyce Evans did ask if any applicants for the board appointments were present. Travis Cox was present. He had just been appointed to ZBOA in place of John Hogan. Also, John McCall was reappointed to ZBOA.

[Collage @ LCC 24 March 2026]
Collage @ LCC 24 March 2026

County Manager Paige Dukes asked for Ashley Tye to talk about Water Stewardship in the current drought, and Fire Chief Billy Young to talk about not burning while it is so dry.

Six citizens spoke: Mary Roe about Paving of Green Road, Kelly Saxon about Baldwin Place grants and shelters, Amanda Hall about pet Breeding limits, Kristina Cheek McBride about Maternal Health Issues, Michael Noll about Data Center collaboration and transparency, and Tetiana Babcock about Data Center Encroachment. See other post for Tetiana Babcock.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the Continue reading →

Videos: 4 Board Appointments, 1 Alcohol, 1 Easement Exchange, 2 Solid Waste Franchises @ LCC Work 2026-03-23

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Update 2026-03-26: Videos: Datacenter, paving, grants, breeding, health, 4 Board Appointments, 1 Alcohol, 1 Easement Exchange, 2 Solid Waste Franchises @ LCC Regular 2026-03-24.

At their Monday morning Work Session, the Lowndes County Commissioners had the most to say about the 6.c. Advanced Disposal Services Residential Solid Waste Franchise Renewal, about prices, trash escaping, and recycling.

[Collage @ LCC 23 March 2026]
Collage @ LCC 23 March 2026

In 7. Reports, County Manager Paige Dukes called on Utilities Manager Steve Stalvey to talk about the Water Notifications that were recently mailed to all water customers, even though only some are affected.

They vote this evening, Tuesday, at 5:30 PM.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the Continue reading →

Data Center Prospects in Lowndes County –Lowndes County, GA 2026-03-09

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So people can catch up on what is happening with datacenters, here is Lowndes County’s astonishingly informative post on the process going forward, illustrated and annotated with what has already happened.

This post does not mean that I or LAKE or any organization with which I am associated are in favor of or opposed to everything of anything in the county’s post. There are and will be plenty of other posts for such opinions.

[Data Center Prospects in Lowndes County, by Lowndes County, GA, 2026-03-09]
Data Center Prospects in Lowndes County, by Lowndes County, GA, 2026-03-09

Data Center Prospects in Lowndes County

Lowndes County, Georgia — On July 8, 2025, the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners approved the rezoning of REZ-2025-11, Coleman Road~719 acres from its current C-C (Crossroads Commercial) and CON (Conservation District) zoning classification to M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and CON (Conservation District) zoning classification with the following seven (7) conditions: Continue reading →

Videos: Valdosta downtown multi-family residential development and office and storage in Lowndes County @ GLPC 2026-01-26

Update 2026-02-08: Packet: 3 rezonings, 1 Utility Easement Termination, Orr Road Bids, Backup Generators for Pruitt Health Facilities @ LCC 2026-02-09.

They unanimously recommended approval of all items, at the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC), at its January 26, 2026, Regular Meeting.

[Collage @ GLPC 26 January 2026]
Collage @ GLPC 26 January 2026

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the agenda and the board packet, received in response to a couple of LAKE open records requests.

Why should a private media firm have to pry these materials out of the county?

I’m not blaming the county staff. They do what they are told to do by the County Commissioners.

I’m not blaming the Planning Commissioners. They are merely an advisory body.

So please ask your Lowndes County Commissioners why they do not publish important materials so the public can see what they the Commissioners are using to make decisions? Continue reading →

Videos: Water treatment upgrade because GA-EPD Consent Order, Lift Station Pump Repair, Condemnation along Twin Lakes Road, VAWA @ LCC Regular 2026-01-27

Congressman Austin Scott, District 8, congratulated Lowndes County on its 200th anniversary.

His appearance was not on the agenda for the Lowndes County Commission Regular Session of January 27, 2026. This was an unusual opportunity to talk directly to the Congress member for Lowndes County and many surrounding counties. Which is a reason you may want to attend Lowndes County Commission meetings: there’s no telling who may show up.

Rep. Scott read what he said was a resolution, but it appears to be a brief speech he made in the U.S. House. CELEBRATING LOWNDES COUNTY’S 200TH BIRTHDAY; Congressional Record Vol. 171, No. 213 (Extensions of Remarks – December 17, 2025),

CELEBRATING LOWNDES COUNTY’S 200TH BIRTHDAY

HON. AUSTIN SCOTT

of georgia

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lowndes County in Georgia’s 8th Congressional District. Lowndes County was established by the Georgia State Assembly on December 23, 1825. Since then, the county has grown to be home to more than 118,000 people and spans 511 square miles. What was once a railroad town dominated by cotton sales has grown to serve as home to Valdosta State University, the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area, Moody Air Force Base, and many charming Georgia towns. Lowndes County has served our airmen at Moody Air Force Base for many years and sets the example for how we can best support our soldiers and their families. I am honored to represent this community and look forward to seeing Lowndes County continue to grow for years to come.

[Collage @ LCC Regular 27 January 2026]
Collage @ LCC Regular 27 January 2026

The Twin Lakes Road right of way condemnation turned into a purchase agreement, resolution having been reached with the landowners.

The Commissioners unanimously approved everything on the agenda, except the condemnation, which they declared moot.

Three citizens spoke in Citizens Wishing to Be Heard: Mary Roe about paving of Green Road, Michael Noll about Citizens against Data Centers, and Maria Chung Willoughby about a non profit partnership.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the Continue reading →

Videos: Water treatment upgrade because GA-EPD Consent Order, Lift Station Pump Repair, Condemnation along Twin Lakes Road, VAWA, Extension Office, Red Cross @ LCC Work 2026-01-26

Update 2026-02-06: Videos: Water treatment upgrade because GA-EPD Consent Order, Lift Station Pump Repair, Condemnation along Twin Lakes Road, VAWA @ LCC Regular 2026-01-27 2026-01-27.

The longest items at the Work Session this morning were 11 minutes of 6.a. Extension Office Update By Joshua Dawson and 8 minutes of 6.b. American Red Cross Update By Jacqueline Shoemaker.

If you weren’t there, you can only see them here in these LAKE videos, since the Lowndes County Commission does not publish videos of its Work Sessions.

They vote tomorrow evening at 5:30 PM, on spending $214,412.00 on the Spring Creek plant and $24,400.00 on a sewage pump repair at the Peterson Road Lift Station.

If they don’t make a deal before then, they’ll vote on paying $12,400.00 as a condemnation price to get some road and drainage right of way along Twin Lakes Road.

Plus there’s $26,371.00 cash match for a VAWA grant.

Other items include a resolution to sell surplus water meters and a Special Assessment Rate for 2026.

[Collage @ LCC Work 26 January 2026]
Collage @ LCC Work 26 January 2026

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the Continue reading →

Packet: Water treatment upgrade because GA-EPD Consent Order, Lift Station Pump Repair, Condemnation along Twin Lakes Road, VAWA, Extension Office, Red Cross @ LCC 2026-01-26

Update 2026-01-26: Videos: Water treatment upgrade because GA-EPD Consent Order, Lift Station Pump Repair, Condemnation along Twin Lakes Road, VAWA, Extension Office, Red Cross @ LCC Work 2026-01-26.

No rezonings this week, but plenty of purchases, resolutions, and a grant, on the agenda for the Lowndes County Commission.

Their Work Session is Monday morning, and they vote Tuesday evening in their Regular Session.

The county is under a GA-EPD Consent Order about drinking water. This is revealed by the agenda packet page for 5.a. Spring Creek Water Treatment Plant Design Build Project. Neither the board packet materials nor the ad for bids mentions where this is. However, previous research indicates it’s the well with water tower at 4245 Hattie Pl, Valdosta, GA 31605, near a creek that runs west by Pine Grove Middle School to the Withlacoochee River.

They will vote on spending $214,412.00 on the Spring Creek plant and $24,400.00 on a sewage pump repair at the Peterson Road Lift Station.

The packet materials don’t say where the Peterson Road Lift Station is, either, but it appears to be in the southeast corner of 6201 Peterson Road, east of the I-75 Georgia Visitor Center. The sign on the fence says Roadway Lift Station.

And the county thinks $12,400.00 is a fair condemnation price to get some road and drainage right of way along Twin Lakes Road.

That’s about a quarter million dollars they may approve Tuesday, before even adding in the $26,371.00 cash match for a VAWA grant.

[Packet: Water treatment upgrade because GA-EPD Consent Order, Lift Station Pump Repair, VAWA, Twin Lakes Road Condemnation @ LCC 2026-01-26]
Packet: Water treatment upgrade because GA-EPD Consent Order, Lift Station Pump Repair, VAWA, Twin Lakes Road Condemnation @ LCC 2026-01-26

Cost What
$214,412.00Spring Creek Water Treatment Plant Design Build Project
$26,371.00 Approval of the Solicitor General's FY26 VAWA Continuation Grant Application
$24,400.00Peterson Road Lift Station Pump Repair
$12,400.00Condemning Right of Way and Drainage Easement for Twin Lakes Road TSPLOST Paving Project; Parcel 3
$277,583.00Total

Here is the agenda.

The board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request, is on the LAKE website.

You may wonder, as I do, why doesn’t the county put its board packets on its own website?

Maybe you’d like to ask your County Commissioners that question.

LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROPOSED AGENDA
WORK SESSION, MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION, TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
327 N. Ashley Street – 2nd Floor

Continue reading →

Packet: Valdosta downtown multi-family residential development and office and storage in Lowndes County @ 2026-01-26

Update 2026-02-08: Videos: Valdosta downtown multi-family residential development and office and storage in Lowndes County @ GLPC 2026-01-26.

Not even the agenda is on lowndescounty.com for Monday’s Planning Commission meeting, much less any of the board packet materials.

You can see all of those, plus the minutes from the previous meeting, here on the LAKE website.

But why doesn’t Lowndes County put these materials on its own website, so the taxpaying and voting public can see them?

Maybe you’d like to ask your Lowndes County Commissioners. They have a Work Session Monday morning and a voting Regular Session Tuesday evening with Citizens Wishing to Be Heard.

Why does it take multiple open LAKE open records requests and further email interactions to pry these materials out of Lowndes County?

It’s not just the materials for the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) that are not on the county’s website. While the agenda and one-page agenda sheets for the Lowndes County Commission are on the county’s website, none of the rest of their board packet materials are.

Why should a private media firm have to pry these materials out of the county?

I’m not blaming the county staff. They do what they are told to do by the County Commissioners.

I’m not blaming the Planning Commissioners. They are merely an advisory body.

So please ask your Lowndes County Commissioners why they do not publish important materials so the public can see what they the Commissioners are using to make decisions?

[Packet: Valdosta downtown multi-family residential @ GLPC 2026-01-26, Office & storage in Lowndes County; None of this on lowndescounty.com]
Packet: Valdosta downtown multi-family residential @ GLPC 2026-01-26, Office & storage in Lowndes County; None of this on lowndescounty.com

The Valdosta item is for a dense residential development in an appropriate city character area, with appropriate conditions recommended by staff. It’s the opposite of sprawl. Seems like a good idea to me.

I’m less clear on the proposed office and storage facility in Lowndes County, REZ-2026-03. It is not in an appropriate Character Area. It has noise and lighting concerns. It crosses a county sewer force main and a natural gas pipeline. It crosses a creek that feeds into Franks Creek into the Little River. The staff-recommended conditions seem like weak tea.

We only have the board materials for this third county case because LAKE insisted on the county honoring the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA). The materials for this city case and this county case are on the LAKE website, along with the agenda and the minutes from the previous GLPC meeting.

For the materials for the other two county cases, see the previous post:

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=25459

Here is the GLPC agenda, which is still not on the county’s own website:

Greater Lowndes Planning Commission
~ Lowndes County ~ City of Valdosta ~ City of Dasher ~
~ City of Hahira ~ City of Lake Park ~ City of Remerton ~

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 5:30 P.M. Work Session
Monday, January 26, 2026 5:30 P.M. Regular Session
Lowndes County South Health District Administrative Office 325 West Savannah Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia

Continue reading →