Pat Donahue/Times-EnterpriseJeremy Emmett, left, details the Southern Lodging proposal for the former Roses site to members of the Payroll Development Authority.

THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville City Council member’s first reaction to a Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (PDA) vote on a hotel development was “a bit of regret.”

“I felt like there was more to learn from both teams, but the PDA Board stuck to their original plan and chose to restrict the teams to the information presented on a 15-item questionnaire,” said Council member Jay Flowers. “It appeared that both parties had additional information to present but were held at bay.”

The PDA voted 3-1 Friday to award development of the former Roses site to Southern Lodging LLC, a Thomasville hotel developer. Piney Woods LLC, a Thomasville group, also submitted a hotel development plan.

Thomasville Mayor Greg Hobbs chairs the PDA and vote in favor of Southern Lodging.

Flowers approves of conditions PDA placed on the property.

“The focus on the comprehensive plan and the significant role of the city planning department and the city historic preservation commission will ensure a plan that complements the historic neighborhoods that border this property,” Flowers said. “I will closely watch the process from the council point of view, and we can count on many citizens watching every step.”

The PDA will require a site plan to spell out all potential uses of the property, and the plans must be approved, Flowers said, adding that the PDA has the right to buy back unused portions.

“My wish is for the entire property to be planned in a way to support the hotel and some civic space,” he said. “The land was originally purchased for an event center and a portion of the most recent special purpose local option sales tax is dedicated to helping build this amenity.”

Flowers commended the PDA for “working through this very difficult process.”

He added, “Disappointment and hard feelings will dissipate over time, and we will all celebrate when the new hotel and related facilities are completed. We should all be proud of our community and the fact that many of our citizens are willing to invest significant time and money to support our growth.”

Flowers said the PDA took on a difficult task and managed it well under the circumstances.

“This process was not something their board has ever had to manage,” he said. “The requirements and definitions were pulled together after the council conveyed the property (to the PDA). It was great to see three different groups present proposals. This high level of interest displayed by Thomasville residents is a strong indication for the future of our city.”

One of the three proposals presented earlier was withdrawn.

Southern Lodging principals said a Marriott hotel will be established at the site, which fronts on Remington Avenue and South Dawson Street. 

Piney Woods’ plan included a restaurant and hotel — probably a Hilton — and multiple uses of the remainder of the tract. 

“We believe a residential component should be part of this project,” Mike Shae, a Piney Woods partner, told the PDA before the Friday vote.

Said Bernie Lanigan, also a Piney Woods partner, “In the last few days, people have come out of the closet to invest in this project.”

Jeremy Emmett, a Southern Lodging partner, told the PDA his company has operated local hotels since 1985. Emmett told the PDA Southern Lodging officials do not think the Marriott hotel needs a restaurant.

Said Thomas County resident Pete Thomas, “What you need in Thomasville is uniqueness.”

City planner Brian Herrmann said prior to Friday’s vote that the planning department believed either plan could work at the site.

Herrmann explained that rezoning the property is a possibility. If the land were rezoned, any development would go before the city planning and zoning commission and the city council.

PDA member Stephen Cheney said the PDA intends to retain control over the site.

Thomasville resident Howard Ferguson said it does not seem like a proper procedure to leave several acres “to the future.”

All drawings and discussions are extremely important, interjected Thomasville resident Wallace Goodman.

PDA co-chairman and a Thomas County Commissioner Mark NeSmith, who made the motion to name Southern Lodging the developer, said he hoped the PDA’s decision would not split the community.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820