Residents urge notice and raise concerns about proposed ATV park near Bush Head Shoals Road

During the public comment period on May 23, several Heard County residents raised concerns about a proposed off‑road vehicle (ATV) park on Bush Head Shoals Road. Mr. David Barker asked to postpone his presentation about the proposal until the board was ready to discuss it. Property owner Peter Underwood asked the board to notify adjoining property owners when projects of this kind arise. Mr. Scott Parrott said the proposed park would be located in his backyard and asked the board to reconsider supporting the state project.

County Attorney Jerry Ann Conner responded that the ATV park as described in the minutes is a state project and therefore may not be subject to Heard County zoning ordinances. Conner’s explanation framed the limits of the county’s authority over the proposal; the minutes do not show the board taking further action or directing staff to require additional notice to neighbors.

The comments were recorded as public comment; no formal motion or vote followed on the ATV matter during this meeting. Residents’ requests for greater notice and reconsideration were noted in the minutes but no directive to staff or a formal county policy change was recorded.