A water park that could handle 1,000 or more visitors a day is slated for Lake Tobesofkee by June 2015 under a deal Macon-Bibb County commissioners approved Tuesday night.
The surprise agreement, discussed in a closed session before the regular commission meeting, calls for a $2.7 million investment by Spirit of America Theme Park and Development LLC in exchange for a 20-year lease and $248,000 in publicly funded improvements near Sandy Beach.
Commissioners added the item to Tuesday’s action agenda and voted unanimously to ratify it.
The resolution authorizes use of bond money from a 2013 issue by the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority to pay for public improvements, such as utility service and road upgrades.
The initial site is 8 acres at Sandy Beach, with the possibility for some expansion. It will include a year-round pool, children’s splash pool, “lazy river,” wave pool, two water slides at least 250 feet long as well as beach and concession areas, according to a description of the project.
The developers, based in Marietta, intend to have the park in operation by June 30, 2015, the agreement says. They would pay just $1 per year for the land lease’s first three years, but in years four through six that would rise to 1 percent of the water park’s gross revenue, and 1.5 percent thereafter, according to the agreement.
Peach County commissioners agreed Sept. 11 to approve a similar park by the same developer on about 6 acres between Russell Parkway and Lakeview Road, near U.S. 41. Peach County agreed to put in $300,000 worth of road improvements once the park there is 25 percent complete.
The Georgia Open Meetings Act allows for closed session to discuss the disposal of property, including leases, provided any final vote is taken in public.
SUNDAY VOTING
A resolution authorizing $3,000 to pay for Sunday voting in the November election passed 7-2, though an earlier rejection by the Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections casts its usefulness in doubt.
“That should be a moot point,” Mayor Robert Reichert said at a pre-commission meeting. The board of elections voted 3-2 Sept. 25 against opening polls on Sundays.
Commissioner Al Tillman -- co-sponsor of the resolution along with Commissioner Elaine Lucas -- wondered whether commissioners could also direct the board of elections to hold Sunday voting.
“You can vote to do it, but it would be of no legal effect,” County Attorney Judd Drake said.
Commissioners Ed DeFore and Mallory Jones voted against the resolution. In earlier discussions, Jones said absentee voting, three weeks of early voting, Saturday voting and the regular election day should be enough.
LOG CABIN DRIVE
Authorization for the Macon-Bibb County Land Bank Authority to buy easements and rights of way along Log Cabin Drive, in anticipation of road improvements there, passed unanimously.
Land acquisition is expected to cost up to $264,200, including all fees, according to the resolution. It should take 9 to 12 months to complete, Reichert said.
The work will add sidewalks and a pedestrian bridge over Rocky Creek, fix the existing bridge and improve the intersection with Hollingsworth Road.
Tillman said he hopes the Belle*vue Concerned Citizens group is kept informed of progress.
“I think this is very exciting for the folks that have been waiting a long time,” he said.
DeFore said he’s long called for the Rocky Creek bridge to be widened, and he thanked the administration for agreeing to the work.
In reply to DeFore, Reichert said, “Thank you for the SPLOST funds that made it possible.”
$2.7 million water park approved for Lake Tobesofkee | Politics | Macon.com
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