Lack of quorum forces cancellation of Albany-Dougherty Planning Commission meeting

ALBANY — The absence of several Albany-Dougherty Planning Commission members resulted that group’s meeting being canceled on Thursday after waiting more than 20 minutes to establish a quorum, outraging several people who had packed the conference room wishing to address the commission.

Chair William Geer, Vice Chair Billy Merritt and board members Jimmy Hall, Aaron Johnson and Helen Young were the members in attendance. The members who failed to appear were Art Brown, Hosea Miller, Sanford Hillsman, Yvonne Jackson and Hampton Smith.

The primary agenda item of public interest was Mohammad Okashah’s application to the commission requesting special approval to establish a cemetery. The potential cemetery property, located at 711 W. Highland Ave., is owned by the Islamic Center of Albany Inc.

Okashah has requested a .51-acre parcel located in the northeast quadrant of West Highland Avenue and South McKinley Street for the development of a 123-plot cemetery. Information packets distributed at the meeting showed that the city’s Planning staff had recommended approval of the application.

After contacting the commission’s absentees failed to establish a quorum, forcing the cancellation, there was outrage expressed by supporters of the cemetery. Among those trying to calm the crowd was Albany City Commissioner B.J. Fletcher, who tried to explain it was not the fault of the city’s staff, but rather the five members who failed to show up.

“I promise, this was not a ploy,” she said.

Also on the agenda was an application from John and Lynn Albano to request a rezoning of 10.026 acres in Spring Hill Estates located at 1046 Spring Hill Drive to allow for the construction of an accessory building larger than 800 square feet, which had also been recommended for approval.

The 10 people on the planning commission are appointed by the Albany and Dougherty County commissions and make decisions on planning and zoning activities before they are voted on by the commissions, depending on where the property is located.

Six were needed to establish a quorum. Geer expressed frustration and embarrassment over a problem he said has been getting worse.

“The Albany City Commission and Dougherty County Commission will hear about this,” he said.

The Planning Commission is expected to meet again at a later date.