Tensions arose at the Athens County Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning over proposed annexation of land that could lead to establishing a microbrewery.
However, some residents objected to the possibility of having the 2.2 acres of land located off Armitage Road annexed. Some of the residents in the area filed an expedited petition with the commissioners as they felt their properties might be affected.
“This was not explained to the property owners properly, prior to the deadline being set. That’s infringement on their property ownership,” said Ron Hope, an Athens resident who came to the commissioners’ meeting.
The owners of the 2.2 acres of land require permission from the county commissioners and city council officials before the annexation process is allowed to take place, according to a previous
Post
article.
Hope said he had dealt with prior damages in the past and is concerned about possible damage to his property, which is near the property in question.
He also said he was not notified of any meetings where affected residents were able to voice their concerns about the annexation.
“I still think a county commissioners or township trustee should have also contacted the property owners one-on-one prior to this set deadlines, so they know when they can voice their opinions,” he said. “I don’t think that’s right, I don’t think it’s fair. It just gets everyone upset.”
Athens Township Trustee Ted Linscott joined the commissioners at the table. He said he did not hear any formal objections to the annexation, but said he will work to rectify that problem.
“
I will pass the concerns about the notice at the township level when they get back with more detail,” Linscott said.
Despite concerns, the commissioners still feel the annexation is “most likely” going to happen. Before it can get passed, City Council officials would need to still pass the resolution for the annex process.
The commissioners also mentioned that the microbrewery, should it be established, could be an employment opportunity.
“All the hurdles have been cleared,” Athens Commissioner Charlie Adkins said in an interview after the meeting. “The city still has to agree, most likely they will agree. Tax revenue will be higher not only for the city, but there’s going to be a job or two.”
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