Lavonia Officially Takes Over Five Roads

The city of Lavonia has now officially taken over five roads from Franklin County.  According to Lavonia mayor Courtney Umbehant, city council already had an agreement to assume control of the roads contingent upon approval from Franklin County Commissioners.  With county commissioners voting unanimously on Monday, October 3, to give up the streets, the city is now responsible for any maintenance and infrastructure improvements.

The roads the city now possesses are Highway 328 from Highway 59 to Gerrard Road, the part of Gerrard Road from Highway 328 over to Pleasant Hill Road, the section of Pleasant Hill Road that extends to Gerrard Road over to Highway 17, and along with Tiger Tail Road and Concrete Road.

Lavonia City Manager Charles Cawthon says with the city taking over these roads, it will allow for new economic growth opportunities for Lavonia.  Cawthon says the city will now also have the opportunity to officially annex these areas.  However, he assures that annexation is purely an option for people who live or own property in that area.

“We don’t want to, it’s not our staff or elected official’s intention to force anybody into annexation.  Either they want to be in the city, we’re happy to have them.  If not, if they want to continue, you know, status quo, we’re fine with that as well.”

Cawthon says so far he has received one application to be annexed by the city.

Mayor Umbehant says any applications for annexation would have to be go through two readings by city council and be approved before a property could become officially part of the city.

Umbehant also says that no street names will be changed.