Forsyth County commissioners voted 3-2 with commissioners Tam and Ledbetter dissenting to extend the rezoning moratorium until October 5th...
Forsyth County commissioners voted 3-2 with Commissioners Tam and Ledbetter dissenting to extend the rezoning moratorium until October 5th.
Speaking in opposition to this extension were representatives from The Council for Quality Growth and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. The measure was also opposed by Commissioners Ledbetter and Tam. "Moratoriums have historically ruined counties" Commissioner Ledbetter said. "Good builders are going to move to other counties". Commissioner Tam added that we are "upside down with our tax base, and we are sending a message to the commercial industry that we have an unstable environment here."
Commissioners Laughinghouse and Richard explained their support of the extension. "The UDC under which we live by is flawed" Richard explained. Chairman Laughinghouse added "There are currently 107,000 homes for sale in the Metro Atlanta area. Our backlog has a long way to go. We have a serious issue wth sewer capacity. We have commercial property that we cannot provide sewer for."
Ledbetter and Tam questioned the need for an extension, and challenged the boards inability to make changes to the UDC during the first 6 months of the moratorium. Commissioner Richard explained that the process is underway, and this extension will give the board ample time to schedule public hearings and finalize the changes.
