Preliminary OK for Tokeena-Dairy Farm re-zoning

Four of six public speakers at last night’s meeting of Oconee County Council registered their support last night for the re-zoning of about 7,200 acres in the Fair Play area.  And the council responded by giving first reading to an ordinance to designate an agriculture district zone for 177 parcels, known as the Tokeena-Dairy Farm properties.  The issue is now referred to the Oconee Planning Commission.  Tim Donald, a highway 182 farmer who serves as president of the Oconee Farm Bureau, says the re-zoning would afford protections for those who farm now as well as those agriculturists who follow.  Gwen McPhail of Tokeena Farms said it’s a logical step for her and other farmers to zone for their right to use their land for agriculture.  Lending their support also were Frank Ables and Derrill Ables.  Two others who opposed the re-zoning were assured by council members that if they don’t want their properties part of the re-zoning they can opt out at the planning commission level.