Veronica Barth asked the Richmond Hill City Council at its meeting Tuesday night to use its best judgment to protect property values if it ultimately approves a commercial development behind the A-1 Motel on Highway 17.

The Richmond Hill resident owns a townhome in the Live Oak subdivision that will be directly adjacent to a storage facility that began the approval process at the city planning commission Monday night.

Property owner Dr. Gene Wallace addressed the planning commission and asked for a conditional use for a storage facility and a text amendment to also allow recreation vehicles and boat storage.

If approved, Barth has concerns that the 4.25-acre commercial development could impact the values of her townhome and other nearby residences .

“I’m worried about property values going down. I am asking the council to do their due diligence when it comes to signage, lighting and appearance. Noise should be regulated. There should be a berm of some sort,” Barth told the councilmen.

Barth, along with several neighbors, expressed the same sentiments to the planning commission Monday night. The planning commission voted to recommend approval to the council of the conditional use and text amendment.

Although the conditional use and text amendment issues will be considered by the council at its May 6 meeting, even if approved, the project is a long way from breaking ground.

According to city Assistant Planning and Zoning Director Randy Dykes, a site plan and building elevations, along with signage adherence, will be addressed by the architectural review board and planning commission as, and if, the project moves forward.

That likely could take months, he said.

“Things like screening or buffers, building and parking lot lighting and building appearance, for example, will be looked at carefully to ensure compliance with current ordinances and guidelines,” Dykes said.

Regardless, Barth said she will be at the May 6 council meeting and any subsequent meetings that address the issues surrounding the potential commercial development.

“I think the planning commission understood the concerns of the property owners. We need to be sure that careful planning is implemented,” Barth said.

Read more in the April 19 edition of the News.