County votes for 'Patriot Square'
By JACQUIE BRASHER

THE NEWLY NAMED PATRIOT SQUARE (File Photo)

Emanuel County Commission voted to name the downtown square in Swainsboro "Patriot Square" at its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 16. A few members of the American Legion Post 103 were present to voice their support of the name. Chairman Keith Thompson said the word "patriot" encompasses everyone regardless of race, age, or gender. He said "no one knows what to call" the park and that he was "tired of hearing it called 'the old courthouse square.' A 'patriot' can be anyone, anywhere, at any time."

County Administrator Ezra Price, however, informed the Commission that members of the committee who were responsible for the inception of the square, and who had donated time and funds to its construction, had originally decided that the square was not to be named for any one person or group. Price said that these committee members, who could not be present at the meeting, had asked him to relay their message.

Post Commander Jeff Brewer of Georgia State Patrol was present to discuss the planning for a new state patrol facility in Emanuel County. Chairman Thompson said the commission will entertain the possibility of a new facility and will be open to suggestions concerning its location, size, funding and the city of Swainsboro's participation.

Rusty Lane was present to request the board for release of excessive right of way on Meadowlake Parkway. This right of way was given to Emanuel County in 1958 for the purpose of extending the four lanes from the east side of SR 4 to Nunez Road. The county will retain 40 feet of right of way from the center line of Meadowlake Parkway on the northern side. Administrator Price said he has received letters from the Development Authority and city of Swainsboro expressing no interest in the four-lane project and have no objection to returning the right of way. Commissioners ap- proved Lane's request.

Lane also requested a variance to the Subdivision Ordinance requesting the division of a parcel of 55.36 acres. Apublic hearing on the issue will be held Feb. 19.

John Wheeler was present to discuss the 2007 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Comprehensive Housing Improvement Program (CHIP). He said one pre-qualified family in Emanuel County will receive a house and 13 other pre-qualified families will receive extensive repairs to their homes. Families must come up with a minimum of 25 percent of cost of repairs. Wheeler said the CDBG program is instrumental in assisting extremely underprivileged families in the county. The board approved both grant policies. The board also approved renewal of Wheeler's contract with the county.

The board approved the amendment of the Emanuel County Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance. County Attorney Franklin Edenfield said the amendment will establish, among other things, specifics concerning location, quality of the applicant and application, and allows for investigation.

Commission members also approved the Hazardous Materials Cleanup Reimbursement Ordinance.

The board announced a vacancy on Emanuel County Library Board to fill the expired term of Linda Parrish. Commissioners approved the reestablishment of Commissioner Desse Davis, Mayor Charles Schwabe and Administrator Price on the Heart of Georgia RDC board; and Betty Brown and Judy Powell on the board of the Aging Advisory Committee.

Commissioners entered into executive session to discuss litigation that involves Emanuel County and Swainsboro- Emanuel County Development Authority. No action was taken.

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