Marshal steps in to establish order over zoning flap

A county marshal in Stephens County, Georgia stepped in to escort a zoning applicant out of a testy land use hearing in front of that county’s board of commissioners.  Things got heated in debate over whether Bernard Wood of Slice of Heaven Drive would be allowed to have his properties rezoned from residential single-family to agricultural.  Neighbors objected to Wood’s request to rezone for farm animals and gardening.  The neighbors fear chickens and other farm animals beside them will de-value their properties.  Motions on two votes failed and Michelle Ivester, board chairwoman, recommended Wood re-apply for a conditional use.  But he asked, “What am I going to do with 12 acres, just sit and stare at the woods”?  Ivester said, “We are trying to help you get to that goal.”