Richmond Hill residents react to growth ahead of candidate forum

RICHMOND HILL, GA — Richmond Hill, one of the fastest growing cities in our region, is becoming a leading attractive place to live.

Long-time residents say their city needs to adjust before it’s too late.

Bryan County is transforming into one of the hottest real estate markets in Georgia. More people are moving to Richmond Hill, and the need for housing is on the rise.

The flood of newcomers mixed with hometown people means additional cars on the roads. The reality, once a sleepy town, no more.

“Bryan County is growing awfully fast, and I think that we should be more concerned about quality growth than quantity growth,” Michael Duncan said.

Richmond Hill residents, seeing the growth first-hand, are concerned.

“Change is inevitable,” Sheila Galbreath said. “Growth is expected. My biggest concern is making sure that we have the infrastructure to support the growth – and not playing catch up years from now.”

Taking a trip down memory lane in 2021, construction began on the massive subdivision, Heartwood. 7,000 acres with 10,000 homes are expected.

The city council also approved rezoning in September, allowing more than 100 apartment units and nearly 40 townhomes near Highway 17 and Ford Avenue Intersection.

Paul Thurston said he has witnessed similar growth in another area.

“I’ve seen this happen,” Thurston said. “This happened where I was originally born, Amelia Island. Really, it takes so much time to get across the bridge.”

A brand-new Richmond Hill High School is being built to hold more than 2,000 students.

“I don’t have a problem with growth,” Thurston said. “As long as it’s structured growth planned and it takes advantage of the environment and all the different things that are going on.”