Enjoyed it, I would have loved to see some actual pictures of some FOG issues that have happened here in Columbia County. Maybe edit in a few still shots at the end.
Ryan Bowers' lawyer, Michelle Harrison, says that AthElite doesn't make noise or play music. That is entirely incorrect. I'm not sure if it's ignorance, willful ignorance, or outright lying.
Thankfully the board voted to disapprove the expansion of AthElite. Ryan Bowers has been a nuisance since Day 1 by violating his zoning narrative and permitting unacceptable behavior from his clients. I just hope the Board of Commissioners follows suit and actually disapproves the request. This is part of what I submitted in opposition... The request for the expansion of AthElite Sports Training Academy through a revision to the S-1 narrative should be denied in totality based on the owner’s brazen lack of compliance with the current narrative, the nuisance the business poses to the surrounding community, and the disingenuous submissions for rezoning. The residents of The Hamptons community have the right to live in relative peace and tranquility in their neighborhood. There will of course be some disturbances from traffic, dogs, children playing, and facilities that existed prior to the establishment of the neighborhood; however, these are ambient noises expected in any dense residential area and are of little concern. Ryan Bowers, the owner of AthElite, has the right to legally operate his business as he has stated to me; however, he does not have the right to operate in a manner that violates his zoning conditions, encroaches on the privacy and properties of the adjacent residents, or violates the law. Ryan Bowers has done all of this, creating a nuisance for his neighbors. Whether 1 neighbor, 11 neighbors, or 38 neighbors are affected, granting expansion of his business, in part or whole, would only reward his cavalier attitude toward compliance and remediation. Ostensibly, Ryan Bowers desires an expansion to his business. In reality, by his own admission in the new narrative, Ryan Bowers has already expanded his business by increasing the number of clients beyond what was specified in the original narrative. Because he has refused to implement the mitigation measures for noise, the increase in clients has exacerbated an already unacceptable noise level from traffic, people, and exercise equipment. Although Zoning Enforcement purportedly has investigated complaints by neighbors, it has done nothing to abate the issues with AthElite. The policy of “voluntary compliance” frustrates neighbors who file complaints because there are no evident actions that correct the problem. The only time Ryan Bowers has made any effort to obey the rules is when situations have escalated to involve law enforcement or when he benefits. He offers only brief concessions, reverting back to non-compliance afterwards, which indicates he knows the rules and chooses to comply only when there is a direct and immediate benefit to himself. The pretentious portrayal of AthElite and the touching story about “Big Baby” do nothing more than obfuscate the underlying issues of Ryan Bowers’ non-compliance with his current zoning narrative. Profit, personal accomplishments, wealth, and the celebrity status of Ryan and Ana Christina Bowers should be disregarded as considerations in the decision making process. Only facts should matter. Ryan Bowers’ request to expand his narrative should be unconditionally denied.
This is the kangaroo court of the county planning commission. The decision 5-0 to rezone 321 S. Old Belair Rd. from R-1 to S-1 was already made before this session even began. Joseph Testino and Ryan Bowers played the commission with their "charm" and money -- they both used numerous religious references in the hearing (entirely inappropriate!) and both stand to make considerable money from this rezoning. A former NFL player and Miss Texas can come into a neighborhood and do what they want because the commission was enamored with them. I think the Testinos and Bowers are crooked and inconsiderate of the existing neighborhood, despite what they said during the hearing. Just look at Joseph Testino's history and make your own determination to his character and motivation for this rezoning.
Great video that also pertains to commercial kitchens -- don't be that restaurant that has a backup! Help protect our communities, and help them be more sustainable by capturing that FOG for renewable energy. It's easy!
you know what else is a problem, lawn company's blowing grass clipping's and leaves and trash into the streets so it ends up in the storm water system. I see this daily on belair rd, if you just washed your car at the car wash when you pull on to the road somebody is blowing crap into the street from the businesses. No win situation, this seems like littering to me.
viewed from someone out of state, but very informative. Wish we had systems like that in Illinois. Job well done by all involved and led by Grace Caroline Jansen.
