The Islander. (St. Simons Island, Ga.) 1972-current, November 25, 2024, Image 10

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The Islander., November 25, 2024, Image 10

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Newspaper Page TextPage 10, November 25, 2024, The Islander Saved by Grace Continued from Page 1 with the following conditions: there will be no day services, only the transi tional housing program. A number of area residents spoke in opposition to the zoning application during the MPC’s public hearing. A number of people also spoke in fa vor of the application, but none lived in the immediate area. The application was on the BOC agenda for the BOC’s regular meeting last week (Thursday, Nov. 21), how ever the applicant withdrew it shortly before the meeting. During the meeting BOC chairman Wayne Neal (Dist. 3) was notified by text message from Saved By Grace’s Executive Director Donna Howard that she was withdrawing their ap plication and that they “plan to pro ceed with the purchase of the build ing (from Assemblies of God Church), which is currently under contract, and as presently zoned, we are excited to make the building a new home for our comprehensive supportive services.” She goes on to say, “We’ve taken several measures to guarantee the program will be successful within the current zoning regulations. We’re here to be good stewards and good neigh bors and ensure our work contributes positively to the community and sur rounding area.” Howard also contacted Glynn County Planning Manager Stefanie Leif asking for a “zoning verification letter regarding 5140 Blythe Island Highway.” According to Leifs response, “Un der the Planned Development District Text, business, professional, and gen eral purpose offices, as well as the ren dering of personal services, are permit ted uses.” Leifs letter, dated Thursday, Nov. 21, goes on to say, “Based on discus sions between you, other representa tives of Saved By Grace, and County staff, it is our understanding that you are also seeking clarification regarding whether specific uses - such as educa tional activities, classrooms, counsel ing, laundry services, or use of the existing kitchen by or for program par ticipants and / or staff - may be consid ered permitted uses or incidental uses to a permitted use.” Apparently it was unclear what specific uses are allowed, as Leif con tinued saying, “If additional guidance is needed to determine whether these or other proposed uses align with the allowed uses for the property, please provide further details, including the scope and nature of the proposed ac tivities. This information will help us evaluate whether such uses may be considered part of the permitted pri mary uses or customary and inciden tal to those uses, as outlined in the Planned Development Text.” Also, on Nov. 21, Saved By Grace issued a press release announcing the withdrawal of their zoning application. The release talks briefly about the number of men who have graduated from their residential men’s program and “are thriving as fully functional members of society.” The release states, “The 14,290 square-foot building at 5140 Blythe Island Highway has two levels and paved parking on a 4.2-acre lot. With 450 feet of frontage on Blythe Island Highway, the property offers conve nient access to the Brunswick area, where a significant number of partici pants are anticipated to be gainfully employed throughout their participa tion in Saved By Grace. On average, participants take part in the program for six months before transitioning into permanent housing.” “Saved By Grace is excited to make this building a new home for their com prehensive supportive services center and has taken several considered mea sures to guarantee their program will be successful within the building’s cur rent zoning regulations.” “The center will provide career counseling, workforce training, finan cial education, healthy food, transpor tation, and healthcare to Saved By Grace participants. To join the pro gram, participants must pass back ground checks, maintain consistent employment, and take part in regular supportive services and screenings. In full compliance with its existing zon ing, participants in the Saved by Grace program will now reside off-site from the location.” Funding for the facility and it’s renovation will come from Under One Roof, a fund of the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation (CCGF), which “helps those who are facing sud den housing loss due to unexpected life changes or catastrophic events such as fire, flood, or their home becomes oth erwise unsafe for habitation.” An issue that was not addressed by Saved By Grace, but was included in the County’s Community Develop ment Dept, staff report was the prop erty’s sewage system. According to the staff report, “(Glynn County) Department of Public Health Environmental Health Division com mented during its review of the ap plication as follows: “The existing fa cility is served by two septic systems installed in 2005. The maximum ca pacity of these systems is 1,900 gallons per day (GPD). It is our understanding that the proposed Homeless Shelter would house up to 40 people and would have a kitchen and rest room facilities/ showers. Based on Glynn Environmen tal Health-DPH Table J, the proposed facility would produce up to 3,000 gallons of water and effluent per day (40 occupants x 75 GPD). This by far exceeds the maximum capacity of the existing system. As a courtesy Glynn EH conducted a site visit on 4-25-24. Due to the amount of asphalt park ing in the front and lack of additional available area adjacent to the septic systems in the rear, it does not appear feasible to upgrade this system.” The staff report also stated the resi dential program would be limited to 29 individuals, which, using the health department’s calculations would still produce 2,175 GPD, which would still be over the 1,900 GPD maximum for the septic system. It should also be noted that Saved By Grace’s press release said, “partici pants in the program will now reside off-site from the location.” So it is unclear if the existing septic system is adequate for what Saved By Grace plans to do in the former church. KTews The flames are dancing and all is right with my world. I woke up to the fire place fi nally open. I am always thankful for our wonderful weather. Glyndale Baptist Church ex tends congratulations to Stephen and Julia Padgett on the birth of Pres ton Wayne Padgett. Ron and Kim Caldwell and Glenda (Monkey) Eu banks are welcomed as new members. St. William Catholic Church ex tends sympathy to Lori Nagem and family in the death of her husband Jimmy Bradley and to James Kirk, Ian Kirk, and Scott, Allison, Stella and Wesley Kirk and the death of their wife, mother and grandmother Tamara Kirk. Flowers were placed in the church in honor of the mar riage of Lexi Moutafakis and Andrew Covington. Frederica Baptist Church ex tends sympathy to Sid Bodoin and family in the death of his mother Elaine Wright. St. Simons United Methodist Church extends love and sympa thy to the family and friends of June Todd. Congratulations to Danielle and Matthew Baird on the birth of their son George Baylor Baird, whose grandmother is Cindy Baird and aunt is Christina Kennedy. Special Christ mas music “Rejoice and Be Merry” - will be presented at 10:30 Service on December 8. Flowers were placed in St. Si mons First Baptist Church by Ranee and Karen Braswell in cel ebration of their 35th Wedding An niversary. Newly elected Deacons are Scott Coleman, Steve Maddox, Dr. Sam Norris, Julie Sellers and Debbie Strother. Tidings of Joy: A Celtic Christmas Celebration” will be presented at 10:30 on December 8. Wesley Church At Frederica extends congratulations to Tay lor and Laura Anne Barron on the birth of their son Bowman Ra- sor Barron. Christmas music will be presented on December 15 at the 9:00 and 11:00 services by the Chancel Choir with Strings Con Brio, Young Voices of Wesley and the Drama Team. Christmas Eve Communion Services will be at 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. All are invited to St. Simons Presbyterian Church on Thurs day for their annual Thanksgiving Day Pancake Breakfast - served from 7:30 to 9:30 am. The Live Na tivity will be presented December 20 at 6:00 and 7:00 pm. Sympa thy is expressed to the family and friends of Reg Murphy. College Place Methodist Church invites all women to meet the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. to the Women of Light Meetings. Info: 912-265-4883. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day - filled with time together with family and friends as hearts gather together to - - - SHARE HIS LOVE. der&«5§© someone’s Give them a subscription to The Islander for Christmas. Call 912-265-9654, send a check to The Islander PO Box 20539 St. Simons Island, Ga 31522 or fill out the bottom form and mail to us. $43 In County / $53 Out of County $40 On Line only. Name: Address: City / State / Zip: Phone: Email: