WR plans to extend sewer for developer

The Warner Robins council voted Monday to extend the sewer system along Vietnam Memorial Parkway.

The 4-2 vote commits the council to extend sewer to the property that is planned to be the future home of the Visitors Center and possibly a water park.

Mayor Chuck Shaheen and Councilwoman Carolyn Robbins were both visibly upset by the vote because they say the city hasn’t seen any plans from the commercial developer wanting to put in the water park.

Councilman Mike Daley, who voted for the extension, said, “The sewer is needed there anyway for the visitor’s center. Some think it isn’t our job to extend the sewer, but we are in the business of economic development.”

Daley explained the biggest draw for Warner Robins is Interstate 75.

“We don’t have a river in Warner Robins, but we do have the interstate,” Daley finished.

Councilmen Mike Brashear, Mike Davis, Paul Shealy and Daley voted for the extension while Robbins and Lee voted against it.

Shaheen also disagreed with the way things were done. He said, “This is not how we conduct business.”

Brashear noted that this was a Peach County economic development project, but said it brings great benefit to the community of Warner Robins as well.

“It will create jobs and draw people to our city, which will benefit us overall,” Brashear said.

In other business, the council voted to table the resolution creating a historical preservation commission because of the lack of knowledge about what its purpose will be as well as what it does to the areas it will affect.

Public Works Director Joe Musselwhite said a few words during Monday’s meeting and was thanked by mayor and council for his 21 years of service to the city.

Musselwhite is retiring because he is seeking election of the mayor’s seat. Musselwhite’s last day with the city will be Friday.

HHJ News