THOMASVILLE — The spokesman for Rachel Lane residents unhappy with apartment complex construction near their homes told Thomasville City Council she is not going away.

“You’ll continue to hear from me,” Morgan Bailey told the council at a Monday night meeting.

Rachel Lane resident Gary Florent read from a city comprehensive plan he said applies from 2005 to 2025. Florent said the document requires new developments to retain “green,” but the apartment building project is “stripped naked.”

In reference to the close proximity of apartment buildings to his property, Florent said, “I can spit from the back yard and hit one of those units.”

Florent asked, ” … What good is the council if this goes on?”

“There will be green space on that property when it’s finished,” Mayor Greg Hobbs responded.

Said Florent, “Good, but I can still spit on it. … The citizens have an option. We can sue.”

Barry Cone, also a Rachel Lane resident, said he called police about nighttime noise at the construction site and was told the situation was not a police problem. Cone said he was told a “gentleman’s agreement” exists between city council and the apartment complex contractor.

Yvonne Stinson has lived on Rachel Lane for a decade. She told council members a storm dumped 25 inches of rain on Thomasville in one weekend several years ago with no major repercussions, but now three inches of rain creates a problem.

Steve Sykes, city manager/utilities superintendent, told Stinson the appropriate place to make a claim is with the developer, IDP Housing in Valdosta.

Mayor pro tem Don Sims turned to Sykes to confirm that the city’s “most powerful tool,” the city certificate of occupancy, will not be granted until the project has met the city’s satisfaction and requirements.

Bailey told the council that when she took photos of construction activity at the site at night, workers went to the second floor of a building and flickered flashlights at her.

Council members must realize the problems, Bailey said, adding that the city’s noise ordinance should be changed. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820