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The Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties

Newton County Commissioners Reject High-Density Project Rezoning

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Show Notes

EAST METRO Top Stories for July 18th         

Publish Date: July 18th          

   

Commercial: GON :30

From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to The Community Podcast. This Podcast brings you the top stories from the Rockdale-Newton Citizen and the Morgan Citizen.  

Today is Thursday, July 18th and Happy heavenly birthday to astronaut John Glenn.

***07.18.24 – BIRTHDAY – JOHN GLENN***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty

  1. Newton County Commissioners Reject High-Density Project Rezoning
  2. Street Rod Association Starts Ramble in Morgan County
  3. Piedmont Newton Recognized for Commitment to Stroke Care

 

Plus, Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seedless watermelons.

 

These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties! Please like, follow, and subscribe.

BREAK: DRAKE

STORY 1:  Newton County Commissioners Reject High-Density Project Rezoning

The Newton County Board of Commissioners rejected a proposal for a high-density, mixed-use development at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and Ga. Highway 142 near Eastside High School. The project, sought by Sockwell Corners LLC, aimed to rezone 158 acres for 294 single-family homes, 146 townhomes, 180 condos or office units, and commercial space. Despite promises of green spaces and amenities, concerns over school overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and lack of demand for high-density housing led to unanimous denial. Issues with sewage infrastructure further complicated the rezoning request, as commissioners echoed community opposition and the need to preserve residential preferences for larger, detached homes in the area.

STORY 2:    Street Rod Association Starts Ramble In Morgan County

Over 100 restored classic cars participated in a charity ramble organized by the Georgia Street Rod Association to support the Georgia Sheriff’s Association Youth Homes. The event coincided with National Collector Car Appreciation Day. The cars, carrying 176 participants, departed from the Georgia Sheriff’s Association in Madison, escorted by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office to Greene County, Sparta, and then to Milledgeville for lunch. Sheriff Robert Markley of Morgan County welcomed the group and led a prayer. Organizers expected to raise between $4,000 and $5,000 for the Georgia Youth Home program through the event.

STORY 3:  Piedmont Newton Recognized for Commitment to Stroke Care

  Piedmont Newton Hospital in Covington has been awarded the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Award with Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. This recognition highlights the hospital's adherence to evidence-based guidelines in stroke treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes through faster treatment and comprehensive care for Type 2 diabetes patients. Erica Walker, the hospital’s stroke and cardiovascular program manager emphasized the program's impact on patient recovery and overall health outcomes in the community. Piedmont Newton’s commitment to these guidelines has been instrumental in reducing mortality rates and improving quality of care.

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We’ll be right back  

 

Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME – INGLES 2

STORY 4:   Road Fatalities Rise In Morgan County

Deputy Bo Kelly from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department is addressing a concerning rise in fatal car accidents in 2024, with seven deaths already compared to four in 2023 and two in 2022. Speeding is identified as a significant factor contributing to these fatalities, with recent incidents including motorists driving over 100 miles per hour. To combat this, Morgan County is participating in “Operation Southern Slow Down,” a regional campaign across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee aimed at increasing awareness and enforcement of speed limits from July 15 to 21. The initiative aims to curb speeding-related fatalities, emphasizing the importance of road safety through enhanced patrols and strict enforcement measures.

STORY 5: Newton County to celebrate opening of new park  

Newton County is set to open Spring Hill Park on July 30, fulfilling a community-driven initiative funded by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Collections. The park, located at 757 Lower River Road, was developed on land originally intended for a private landfill, settled in a lawsuit in 2017. Costing $5.9 million, including excess SPLOST funds, it features green space, a playground, water play area, Frisbee golf, walking trails, pavilion, and community center. District 5 Commissioner Ronnie Cowan highlighted community input in designing the park, emphasizing its alignment with local needs and expectations. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 11 a.m.

We’ll be back in a moment  

 

Break: DERMATOLOGY CON.

 

And now here is Bruce Jenkins’ conversation with Leah McGrath on seedless watermelons.

LEAH INTERVIEW

We’ll have closing comments after this.

Break: GON :60

 

Signoff-   

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Community Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at rockdalenewtoncitizen.com  and morgancountycitizen.com

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