Developer to seek annexation in ’25
Waycross will provide water and sewer service to a tract of land just outside the city limits that a developer has targeted for an apartment complex.
The City Commission approved a resolution Tuesday authorizing a support letter to Vantage Development confirming services will be provided to the Ware County property at 415 Sawdust Trail, which is just off Brunswick Highway, for the 100 multi-family unit development. The letter will allow the Alabama developer to secure financing.
The action was among four resolutions and an ordinance commissioners approved during their bi-monthly meeting September 3 in City Hall. Vantage said it needed the commitment letter from the commission by October.
Vantage will cover the expense of bringing the water and sewer service to the 11.75-acre tract. Service will be provided by running lines from the current system in the city’s Hatcher Point Road area, said Waycross Community Improvement Director Marc Hawkins.
The 54-year-old firm based in Fyffe, Ala., also is seeking annexation of the Sawdust Trail property into the city. Commissioners set a public hearing for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 1 on the request.
Annexation needs approval of the Georgia Legislature, which isn’t in session again until January. Hawkins said the area will be zoned R-75 residential upon annexation approval.
Bradley Carroll, a project manager with Vantage, presented the firm’s plans for the parcel to the commission in July. At that time, he said Vantage was seeking the city services and annexation because Satilla Water Service, which provides water and sewer for the county, said it was cost-prohibitive to extend its nearest lines to the land.
Carroll was at the commission’s planning and information session that preceded Tuesday’s business meeting to answer any questions related to the resolution.
Carroll reiterated Vantage would pay for all work to secure the city services. He said during his July visit Vantage’s estimates for running the lines was between $400,000 and $500,000.
The infrastructure arm of the multi-faceted firm would handle the work, he said. Work on the project likely wouldn't take place until later next year.
Carroll said although a site plan wasn’t yet available, the complex would be similar to others the company has built and operates. Most of those are three stories with a breezeway either brick faced or vinyl sided, he said.
There would be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with rents ranging from approximately $650 up to $1,200 depending on unit size, Carroll said.
