Planning Commission approves property split

By Holly Hollman
· hhollman@decaturdaily.com
340-2445

ATHENS — Why does corn need sewer?

That’s what landowner Dora Massey is wondering. Massey and her brother inherited about 30 acres on Lucas Ferry Road and West Hobbs Street and want to divide it equally.

Massey said they are using it for corn.

The problem is that according to a city ordinance, when land is subdivided and is within 500 feet of sewer, the developer must extend sewer to each lot.

The split between the siblings will create four lots. The estimated cost to run the required 1,300 feet of sewer is about $50,000.

Athens Planning Commission Chairman Rod Huffman said Tuesday that the family can appeal to the City Council for a waiver.

The property’s surveyor, Ronnie Coffman, said there should be a waiver for heirs of an estate who want to split the property.

The commission approved the property split with the requirement that the developer run sewer and the suggestion that the family take their issue to the council.

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