Home > Henry.Talk > Archives > 2007 > September > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow many subdivisions does Henry County need?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As most of you know by now, I am a Henry County native. I grew up in Hampton and have lived in Henry County my entire life.
It seems that every time I get in my car and go out, I notice that families I have known my whole life are selling out to developers. Their home places are being torn down and roads are being constructed to build yet another subdivision. This seems to happen overnight.
It is really sad that longtime Henry County residents are selling their home places and moving to other counties to get away from all the housing, people, crowded schools, crime and strip malls.
Before long, there won’t be any free land left in Henry County. It will all be taken over by developers.
I have known some of the families that have moved after being offered a large amount of money by the developers. But in the end, does money really make them happy? These families loved living in Henry County, as it use to be, and wanted to raise their children where they grew up.
Now our schools are overcrowded, our roads are overcrowded and crime is high. Those that grew up in Henry County are being bought out and just getting out as fast as they can.
Can you blame them?
How much development can Henry County take? When are our commissioners going to put a stop to this development?
Comments
By Larry
September 20, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
Connie, many of us share your frustration. I believe your query, ” When are our commissioners going to put a stop to this development?” is just a bit off the mark.
How about, ” When are our commissioners going to manage growth and development with respect for our infrastructure, local economy and quality of life?”
It is the job of local governments to enhance and promote the local economy. It is also their job to enforce laws and ordinances without working to find ways to circumvent them.
I would add a query to the conversation: ” When are our commissioners stop using transportation funds (SPLOST, general fund and state/federal) to promote development?”
Note the road/bridge widening at Eagles Landing, Jonesboro Road and Hwy20/81. Had Wal-Mart or Lowes or Home Depot not required those improvements I doubt they would have happened.
Also note the years that will pass before our county roads may be widened, or additional roads constructed to accomodate increased traffic that goes with retail development and low-cost workforce housing.
Here is another thought: ” When are our commissioners adopt OCGA 36-67-3 as local legislation? We always hear that infrastructure like roads and schools cannot be considered in zoning and development decisions. Our BoC and city councils are simply hiding behind their choice to ignore ways to mange growth.
Thanks, Connie, for posting this one!
By Larry
September 20, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this
Connie, many of us share your frustration. I believe your query, ” When are our commissioners going to put a stop to this development?” is just a bit off the mark.
How about, ” When are our commissioners going to manage growth and development with respect for our infrastructure, local economy and quality of life?”
It is the job of local governments to enhance and promote the local economy. It is also their job to enforce laws and ordinances without working to find ways to circumvent them.
I would add a query to the conversation: ” When are our commissioners stop using transportation funds (SPLOST, general fund and state/federal) to promote development?”
Note the road/bridge widening at Eagles Landing, Jonesboro Road and Hwy20/81. Had Wal-Mart or Lowes or Home Depot not required those improvements I doubt they would have happened.
Also note the years that will pass before our county roads may be widened, or additional roads constructed to accomodate increased traffic that goes with retail development and low-cost workforce housing.
Here is another thought: ” When are our commissioners adopt OCGA 36-67-3 as local legislation? We always hear that infrastructure like roads and schools cannot be considered in zoning and development decisions. Our BoC and city councils are simply hiding behind their choice to ignore ways to manage growth.
Thanks, Connie, for posting this one!
By Larry
September 24, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Connie, please email me at lrstanley@charter.net
By Joe
September 25, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
*I have known some of the families that have moved after being offered a large amount of money by the developers. But in the end, does money really make them happy? These families loved living in Henry County, as it use to be, and wanted to raise their children where they grew up. *
I saw the same thing happen in Gwinnett County where I grew up. My family has been there 200 years, and some old families still have some folks waiting for “the right offer.”
It is not just that money makes us fools. It’s also that living the life we want is not possible in the fast paced, crowded, over priced setting.
Question is, “where do we go” that they won’t follow us? Even a friend in Monana says “those d** Californians found us” and are ruining our way of life.
What I really hate is that the love of the land we grew up with cannot be passed to the next generations. A house is just an asset, property is just an investment. Family roots are not tied to a place or time, but how much money Uncle Joe left in his will.
We are not better off today.