Floyd Approves RV Park in Cave Spring Over Opposition

Floyd County Commissioners unanimously approved a special use permit for a hotly contested recreational vehicle park across from Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center in Cave Spring.

“This can be done following all the regulations of the state and the county,” said owner Anthony Carver. He made some changes to his plans for the acreage at 125 Davis Road in response to challenges before bringing it back Tuesday for a second time.

Nearby residents had voiced concerns throughout the process about the viability of a septic system, the safety of RV traffic on the narrow road, the possibility of flooding and the potential for crime. Rome-Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood said he and his staff had concerns about the density, the lighting and the noise it would introduce to the rural area.

A field level soil study regarding the septic system, however, showed the “perc rate for the site is exceptionally good for the area,” Carver’s engineer told the board. Commissioners also were assured the state Environmental Protection Division would have to approve the commercial system in addition to the county’s environmental health office. Carver also agreed to upgrade the road.

The approval came with several conditions, including a limit of no more than 50 RV spaces. Davis Road will be upgraded to county standards from the entrance of the site to U.S. 411. And Carver will surrender the SUP he holds now to host overnight events such as the Georgia Mushroom Festival and the Cave Spring Motorcycle Rally.

Also on Tuesday, the board voted 3-2 to issue a special use permit for a $2.2 million solar farm at 4859 Alabama Highway in Coosa.

Planning staff had recommended denial because the tract — which fronts on two highways and a railroad and has water and sewer service — could be put to a better use. However, the property owner wants to lease his land for the project and the company already has an interconnection agreement to sell the energy to Georgia Power Co.

Commission Chair Allison Watters and Commissioners Wright Bagby and Larry Maxey voted in favor of the permit. Commissioners Rhonda Wallace and Scotty Hancock were opposed.

The board also approved a rezoning and special use permit for a vehicle storage site at 3128 Cave Spring Road and residential zoning for a home at 3243 Wax Road that had been zoned for commercial development.