Heard County approves two short-term special-use permits, including storage site for Sync Global

The Heard County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two special‑use permits on March 21, including a six‑month permit to allow a company laydown yard for a broadband project.

In the first hearing, Kenneth McDonald asked to open a part‑time archery shop in a 12‑by‑32‑foot building on his property to sell and service archery equipment. McDonald said he would add an entry door, landing and windows, that all sales and service would occur inside the building, and that any target used to test equipment would be contained within a carport. He said he did not intend to open an archery range. The Board closed the hearing and, on motion by Commissioner David Walls and second by Commissioner Larry Hooks, approved the Special Use permit unanimously.

In a second hearing, Kenneth B. Denney requested permission to let Sync Global use his land as a laydown/storage yard while the company installs internet across Heard County. Denney said Sync Global had been using the site for about a year, that the company pays him $2,000 per month, and that about 15 trucks with trailers move in and out of the property daily; he said the company was expected to finish by the end of the year. Kathy Knowles, representing the Development Authority, told the board the Authority had not known a laydown yard was on Denney’s property, asked the board to "show kindness and forgiveness" and noted the Authority had worked to obtain grants to fund the countywide project. Randy Chesnut of Eley Road told the board he and other citizens would be upset if Sync Global had to remove their equipment.

Following the hearing, on a motion by Commissioner Larry Hammond and second by Commissioner Larry Hooks the Board voted unanimously to approve Denney’s special‑use permit for six months; a new application will be required in September.

The minutes record no conditions beyond the six‑month limit and do not describe inspections, security or traffic management requirements. The record also does not include details about any county permits for vehicles or staging, or written agreements between Sync Global and Mr. Denney beyond the oral statements recorded in the hearing.

What happens next: Denney’s permit will expire in six months; the county will require a new application in September if Sync Global’s laydown yard remains in use.