Commission debates treatment center, buys property for Augusta Regional expansion

Susan McCord @reportr1

Feb 25, 2020 at 5:19 PM

A presentation on a treatment center for first responders got heated and the Augusta Commission agreed to buy property near the airport for $500,000 during committee meetings Tuesday.

The approximately 16-acre parcel just north of Augusta Regional Airport has been in the Roy Simpkins family for many years, according to property records.

Commissioner Marion Williams said the airport plans to lease the site to car rental companies. Several rental companies currently occupy an area near the airport parking lot.

Patrick Cullinan’s presentation on the proposed "Valor Station" for first responders drew a handful of opponents who said they learned about the agenda item in Tuesday’s newspaper.

Attorney Howard Bush, who owns several rental properties in the Green Meadows subdivision, said his tenants are threatening to move out if the project moves forward.

"No one gave the opposition any chance to be heard," Bush said. "I think it’s totally inappropriate for this body to be standing here listening to zoning matters."

Cullinan’s presentation had been on the books for several weeks and it was not a rezoning action requested by the Planning and Development Department, but Bush said the commission was unfairly hearing one side of the story intended to influence its rezoning decision later on.

Cullinan, a career law enforcement officer, said he brought the idea of a treatment center for first responders to the Hale Foundation after its proposal to open a treatment center for all ran into opposition from the Green Meadows subdivision and commissioners.

The plans are to secure an alternate entrance through Augusta Technical College to the 20-acre forested site and close access by Eagle Drive, which runs through the neighborhood. The former convent already has a commercial kitchen and cafeteria and rooms to house 30, Cullinan said.

The center will be under the Hale Foundation’s umbrella and will employ medical and counseling personnel, on-duty law enforcement at all times and first responders to serve as peers for the ones in treatment, Cullinan said.

Green Meadows residents have long opposed the development for its potential to increase traffic and people coming through the neighborhood and lower their property values. Bush said they remain opposed.

Several commissioners remained skeptical of the proposal Tuesday based on the community’s opposition.

"I’m an extreme fervent supporter" of both law enforcement and neighborhoods, Commissioner Sammie Sias said. "I just don’t think at this point these two entities can merge at this particular location."

Cullinan said he was surprised Tuesday to learn that state Rep. Sheila Clark Nelson, D-Augusta, was opposing a resolution by Rep. Jodi Lott, R-Evans, granting an easement for access through the state property. The site borders Richmond County Board of Education’s Career Technical Magnet School.

"You’re saying it’s OK to have a drug rehab center right next to a high school?" Commissioner Bobby Williams asked. Cullinan said yes.

"I disagree with that," Williams said.

"When you have a neighborhood where nearly 100% of people are against it, I don’t know why you're still trying to do that," he added.

The committee took no action after the presentation.

Marion Williams said the opponents are off base.

"Everything they wanted to put over there they’ve been fighting," he said. "You can’t fight it — there’s no legitimate reason."

Organizers are holding an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the site, 3042 Eagle Drive.