A familiar name in structural rehabilitation in Waycross has purchased a 9.09-acre parcel from the city for development.
The Waycross City Commission approved the sale of the land at 1200 Colley Street to W.H. Gross Construction of Kingsland during its bimonthly last week. The firm’s owner, Bill Gross, has rehabilitated the Ware Hotel and Bunn Building into residences and currently is reviving the historic Lyric Theater in downtown.
Sale price of the property was $175,000. It had been moved to surplus by the commission last year for marketing and sale.
The resolution approving the sale was one of three commissioners approved Tuesday, March 18. They also approved two readings of an ordinance to amend the city code relating to business licenses and fees.
In other business, commissioners agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding with WayGreen, Inc., for its garden space in Bazemore Park. Prior to the meeting, the commission held a public hearing to consider a zoning change for a property on M Street.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James presided over the hour-long meeting at City Hall with all commissioners present.
The sale of the Colley Street had a stipulation that any asbestos on the property had to be removed by the buyer within one year of the close of sale. If that doesn’t take place, the sale is null and void and the property returns to the city, Purchasing Director Mamie Jackson said.
The bid came to commissioners last month, but they added the abatement for acceptance.
The property currently is zoned C-1 commercial. Jackson said she hadn’t spoken to Gross directly, but conversations during the review process of the property prior to sale pointed toward a zoning change.
“I do know they would like it zoned to build housing,” she told commissioners at Monday’s planning and information session.
Commissioners said prior to approving the sale they hoped housing to serve single families was the aim for the sizeable tract of land. Any change would first need to go before the zoning board, which then would make its recommendation to the commission.
The second resolution approved a contract for $45,000 with B. James Construction LLC of Blackshear for repairs and upgrades to the warehouse on Alice Street. The facility was flooded and sustained other damage to equipment during a severe storm that hit the city November 7.
The third resolution amended the city’s current policy for extension of water and sewer services to the present system. The change places 100 percent of the cost of a line for service on the petitioner, rather than the current 7525 split between the petitioner and the city.
City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said no other city in his survey makes a contribution for line extension.
The ordinance follows up changes in the city’s fees for alcohol and business and occupation licenses in a resolution passed as the commission’s first meeting this month. The ordinance sets penalties and enforcement for late and/or non-payment of the fees that start in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
The Waygreen MOU would allow the organization to expand its efforts outside its current bounds in Bazemore Park, located in District 5.
