City commends workers for hurricane response

VALDOSTA -- The Valdosta City Council gave kudos to city workers and the community for their response to Hurricane Frances at the Council meeting Tuesday night.

"Fire, police and emergency workers, city marshals, public works and the city manager -- the list goes on and on," Mayor John Fretti said. "These departments and people worked so hard. We had people just show up to work -- they didn't have to be called in."

City Manager Larry Hanson said the damage costs in the city were roughly $100,000.

"A lot of the money came from the extra hours people put in, but we felt it was the responsible thing to do," he said. "We had an outstanding community as well. They opened their arms to guests, embracing them with hospitality."

Council also unanimously:

Approved an ordinance to rezone 0.390 acres from Two-Family Residential to Residential Professional. The applicant intends to market the area for office/professional uses. The subject property is located off Fleming Street. The Greater Lowndes Planning Commission has approved the request unanimously.

Approved an ordinance to annex and rezone 17.947 acres from Flood Hazard/Manufactured Home/Single Family Residential to Multi-Family Residential with the intent to develop the third phase of a multi-family student housing project.

The subject property is located off Magnolia Street. The Planning Commission approved the request 6-2.

Approved closing an unopened portion of McRee Drive.

Approved closing Blanton Street from Miramar Street to Baytree Drive.



To contact reporter Michelle Taylor, please call 229-244-3400, ext. 245.