CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 Monday to approve a controversial construction and demolition transfer station on Alto Mud Creek Road, imposing multiple conditions after hearing hours of public opposition centered on traffic, environmental concerns and property values.
The board approved the conditional use application for Greenworks Solutions LLC, allowing the company to operate a C&D transfer station and recycling center on 29.52 acres at 1022 Alto Mud Creek Road. Chairman Jimmy Tench cast the lone dissenting vote.
Habersham County Planning and Zoning Director Mike Beecham told commissioners the proposed facility would include a 10,000-square-foot, three-sided building where construction and demolition debris would be unloaded, sorted and compacted. Recyclable materials would be separated on site, while remaining waste would be hauled daily to an out-of-county landfill. No municipal solid waste would be accepted.
Planning and zoning recommended denial
Beecham said the operation would be classified as a recycling center and heavily regulated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, requiring state permits, quarterly tonnage reporting and environmental sampling. Despite staff findings that dust and traffic impacts could be mitigated, the Habersham County Planning Commission recommended denial, citing traffic concerns along Alto Mud Creek Road and access to Ga. 365.
“The primary concern was traffic,” Beecham said, citing the right-in, right-out access at Ga. 365 that would require trucks to make U-turns.
Residents speak out
Several nearby residents spoke in opposition, raising concerns about truck traffic, noise, stormwater runoff, environmental impacts and declining property values.
Adam and Lisa Benfield, whose property backs up to the site, said prior industrial use resulted in overnight noise and heavy truck traffic. Adam Benfield said he disagreed with the county’s assessment that property values would not be affected and called traffic the most significant concern, citing the short distance between the site entrance and Ga. 365.
“We could hear saws running all night,” Benfield said. “I’m not sure I agree that property values won’t be affected. It would be hard to sell a house right next to a recycling center.”
Clint Scroggs, a nearby resident and retired corporate safety director, said system failures are inevitable and warned of potential runoff into an impaired stream downhill from the site. He also questioned whether the use aligns with county zoning standards intended to protect residential areas from heavy industrial impacts.
“Drains are going to stop up. Pumps are going to fail,” Scroggs said. “There’s just no way to prevent something from happening.”
Kimberly Dailey, who owns property on both sides of Ga. 365 near Alto Mud Creek Road, said traffic accidents are already frequent in the area and said the project would further strain safety and disrupt the environment and wildlife.
Greenworks: Facility addresses a need
Speaking for Greenworks Solutions, Derek Corbett said the facility would address a long-standing need for local C&D disposal, reducing the cost and inconvenience of hauling debris out of the county. Corbett said the company has more than 30 years of experience in the recycling industry and emphasized its intent to operate responsibly and long-term.
“This is a service that Habersham County needs,” Corbett said. “We’re here to provide a solution.”
Corbett said all waste would be removed daily, no trash would remain overnight, and the facility would be subject to extensive state regulation and third-party environmental monitoring. He said traffic impacts would be significantly lower than the site’s previous use and that most vehicles would be smaller trucks and trailers.
“Trash will not spend the night in Habersham County,” he said. “We’re not a landfill. We’re a construction and demolition recycling center.”
During commissioner discussion, Ty Akins asked about operating hours. Corbett said the facility would operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Commissioner Bruce Harkness questioned protections for Long Branch Creek, and Corbett said all precautions required by permitting, engineering and environmental oversight would be taken.
Akins made the motion to approve the application with conditions, including limits on operating hours, a 25-foot undisturbed vegetative buffer between the facility and the Benfields’ property, and a 50-foot undisturbed buffer along Long Branch Creek.
Fireworks ordinance
Commissioners also unanimously approved a fireworks permit ordinance regulating public fireworks displays in Habersham County. Emergency Services Director Jeff Adams said the ordinance applies to permitted public exhibitions only and does not affect personal fireworks use. The ordinance establishes prohibited locations, permitting requirements, insurance standards and a fee schedule to support emergency services staffing and preplanning. Adams said municipalities could adopt the county ordinance if they choose.
911 system update
In other business, Radio System Administrator Tom Priddy updated commissioners on the county’s new radio system, saying testing is nearing completion after successful countywide drive and in-building coverage testing. Priddy said results exceeded expectations and credited staff from the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services and Animal Control for accelerating the process.
“We’re basically rounding third, and we’re coming home on this thing,” Priddy said.
Krockum pay supplement
Commissioners also unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a $20,000 annual pay supplement for Sheriff Robin Krockum. Krockum told the board his base salary is set by state law based on population and does not reflect the scope of his responsibilities, noting the Sheriff’s Office employs 112 people and represents about 70% of the public safety budget.
“If I were a county director and not elected, I would be eligible for senior-level county retirement,” Krockum said. “It would be easier to ask for a supplement than try to change the retirement plan.”
Krockum said the request was driven in part by the loss of county retirement benefits when he became an elected official. Commissioners confirmed the supplement is funded within the existing budget and would not create an additional expense. County Manager Tim Sims noted similar supplements exist for other elected officials, and commissioners described the request as fair and consistent with county practice.
Year-end remarks
In closing remarks, commissioners reflected on the holiday season, public service and preservation of Habersham County’s character. Dustin Mealor encouraged residents to check on friends and family during what he described as a difficult season for many. Ty Akins said commission decisions are guided by the county’s comprehensive plan, which reflects citizen input calling for preservation of the rural northern part of the county while directing growth toward the Ga. 365 corridor and municipalities.
Chairman Bruce Harkness thanked county employees and residents, saying Habersham County’s strength lies in its people and pledging to continue working to protect the county’s heritage and future.
