About Lake Oconee news. (Greensboro, GA) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 10, 2017)
Friday, November 10,2017 Lake Oconee News Page A3 GREENE COUNTY Four-story hotel, Burger King slated for Greensboro Dave Brown dave@lakeoconeenews.us For years and years, there has been a bustling business at Oconee Town Center as Home Depot served the local area. Other best- laid plans for the shopping area on Highway have lain in fallow as grass grew on the site undisturbed, except for mowing. However, much of that vacant area is about to be under construc tion as the Architectural Review Board unanimously agreed to the site plans of both a fast food fran chise and hotel to locate to the area on Highway 44 adjacent to 1-20. Burger King and Tru by Hilton could be breaking ground in the area within 60 days, according to Planning and Zoning enforcement officer Rick Zeier. “The site developers at Oconee Town Center have already run the water and sewer lines, as well as the storm water drainage,” said Zeier, “I can’t issue a land disturbance permit until the soil and erosion plan is approved by the state. That could take two months. “Butthey are eager to get started. They have aggressive plans ofbeing ready for next year’s Masters.” The fast food site is expected to be corporate owned for the time being. Burger King and Tru by Hilton are slated to be built at the Oconee Town Center on Highway 44 in Greensboro. Contributed Burger Kingis the second-largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. It was founded in 1954. Since that time, the Home of The Whopper has grown to the point of serving 11 million people each day According to its website, with more than 425 hotels in various stages of development, Tru by Hilton has achieved the fast est-growing pipeline in the history of the hospitality industry and has captured approximately two- thirds of all growth associated within the midscale segment since it launched. Tru by Hilton at Oconee Town Center will be four storeys tall andhave approximately 90 rooms. Tru by Hilton wants to “offer a brand-new hotel experience that is vibrant, affordable and young-at-heart.” Tru by Hilton has parameters for its properties: • All new-build brand, which drives the consistency of expe rience for guests; • Reimagined, enlarged lobby with 2,880 square feet of public space with areas to work, play games, eat or lounge; • Breakfast is reinvented with the build-your-own complimentary “Top It” breakfast bar that has 30 sweet and savory toppings so guests can create their own healthy or indulgent morning masterpieces; Rooms are modern and designed to make every square foot count, with natural light from oversized windows, 55-inch TV with 150 DIRECTV channels and bright all-shower bathrooms with pre mium bath amenitie;s National and local brand gour met snacks and drinks - includ ing single-serve beer and wine - are available 24/7 in the “Eat & Sip.” market located in the heart of the lobby; Tech savvy hotel with mobile check-in, Digital Key, free, superfast Wi-Fi, remote print ing, social media wall, lobby and market iPads, super-charging stations and accessibility to outlets everywhere; A fitness center that leverages the latest fitness trends through barre, TRX bands, free weights, cardio and flexibility gear, plus guests can get workout ideas fromthefitnesscentertablet; and All the benefits of a Hilton Honors membership are avail able to Tru by Hilton guests. GREENE COUNTY Hice wins top conservative award Dave Brown dave@lakeoconeenews.us Rep. Jody Hice (GA-10) didn’t waste any time on the national stage as the first- term congressman recently received an award from the American Conservative Union Foundation and also tookthe opportunity to speak on behalf ofthe proposed tax cut plan. The American Conservative Union Foundation recognized Hice with its annual “Award for Conservative Excellence,” given in recognition of his commitment to America’s foundational principles and the U.S. Constitution. “I came to Congress to standupfortheadvancement of conservative principles, and I’m proud that my voting record reflects that commit ment,” said Hice. “I’m honored to be rec ognized by the American Conservative Union Foundation and will con tinue to champion pro growth, limited government policies that help ensure we leave this country and Georgia’s 10th District better than we found it for our kids and grandkids.” ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp praised Hice in a press release commemorat ing the award. Chief Continued from A1 comments like “me love you longtime” and requests to see “underneath her dress” went on for four years before her termination last December. The alleged incidents are said to have happened during lunch breaks when other workers were out ofthe office. Choum, a single mother of three, declined all sexual offers andignoredtheharass- ment, though she did once tell Mapp she was going to file a sexual harassment claim against him, the lawsuit notes. It bears mentioning the accusations have not been adjudicated in a court of law. According to Nelson, there is no timetable associated with Mapp being placed on paid administrative leave. “Rep. Jody Hice earns an A-plus grade for his consis tently conservative voting record during a time when our country is facing so many critical issues,” said Schlapp. “It is refreshing to have a Member of Congress who puts the Constitution first, especially when it comes to our First Amendment reli gious freedoms.” Founded in 1973, the American Conservative Union Foundation has served as a leading organization to advance conservative prin ciples of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values and a strong national defense. The ACU’s prestigious award is given annually to Members of Congress based on their adherence to these values. Hice received a 96 percent rating with ACU in 2016 and holds a lifetime record of 98 percent. Hice also issued thefollow- ing statement in response to the introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “The United States tax code has become needlessly complicated and costly to the detriment of hardworking families and businesses. We are taking action and have developed a new tax reform proposal that is built for growth - the growth of fam ilies’ paychecks, the growth of jobs and the growth of the American economy. “With all of the coverage in today’s news cycle, little attention is paid to the very real problems affecting the daily lives of Americans. “As I pore through the leg islation, I am encouraged by our plan and will be keeping my eye on the ultimate goal, which is tax relief and tax cuts so that Americans can keep much more of their hard-earned money. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration and my colleagues to achieve a simpler code and fairer system for all.” Georgia’s 10th Congressional District is located in the northeastern part of the Georgia. The district includes Baldwin, Barrow, Butts, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Taliaferro, Walton, Warren, Washington and Wilkes counties. We know Water Filtration IT’S ALL WE DO! • Proudly serving the Lake Area for over 25 years • Widest range of quality products to meet any budget • Service plans available to meet YOUR needs • Let us inspect/service your existing system Household WATER SPECIALIST • WATER FILTRATION • 706-453-1151 householdwater.com jj\gysss& A Wat ei Q. allfi WE FIX BAD WATER! ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp, left, honors Congressman Jody Hice with the 2016 Award for Conservative Excellence. Contributed ♦BANKSOUTH* honors our veterans On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women of our military. Thank you, Veterans, for your service. Banksouth WWW.BAN KSOUTH.COM ° WWW.BANKSOUTHMORTGAGE.COM Member FDIC