LAST WEEK: IS MCD
Recent deliberations about two proposed park land purchases by the McDonough City Council have raised the ire of many local residents. Some have questioned whether to spend the money at all in light of other priorities in the city, and there has also been controversy over whether certain council members should have recused themselves because the tracts in question may be adjacent to their own homes or property.
Here is what some readers have said about the issue:
Yes, many in the public are upset. Yes, we believe it is unethical when a council member does not recuse themselves from a vote on a piece of property next to their home. Yes, the people called foul over this issue (see the I love Henry County Facebook page for comments, shares, replies, etc.). We don't need any more park land in this district. We can't pay for what we have. There is no money outside of purchase to do development or the maintenance for this land. The public was equally upset in that it appeared to be a last-minute lame duck vote to push it through. In defense of council member Sandra Vincent from District II, once the city attorney could not validate the use of impact funds nor a previous development agreement which was used as "a reason they must purchase," she voted for a delay. Only Notti (lame duck member) and Varner voted for approval. Vote to delay carried. — Annette O'Banion
I'm excited about what the city is doing beside my neighborhood (Carsons Cove). This area, around Sandra Vincent's (and my) home is a blight on McDonough. This park, and all that goes with it, will be a shining light on the otherwise dingy entrance to our Square. The area is in need of much revitalization and I applaud the City Council for pursuing these plans that have been made for over 10 years. — JD Collie
Although I am very excited to see the plans for the Alexander Park expansion come to fruition, these concerns about council members' votes become problematic for me. I believe it is imperative for council members to recuse themselves from these types of votes that may have the appearance of conflicting interests. It alienates the voters when those charged with serving the community appear to be serving their own interests first. — Bill A.
Of course they should [recuse themselves]. Why is there any question about this?
— Sally Davis
— Monroe Roark for the AJC
Among the most humorous encounters on TV is when Curtis and Ella Payne (LaVan Davis and Cassi Davis) on Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” tangle with the president of the homeowner’s association in the subdivision where Curtis and Ella would like to build their dream home. Eventually after their dream sequence of “The Jeffersons,” Curtis and Ella decide they are better off to remain where they are rather than have so many details of their dream regulated by the HOA.
Have you encountered similar restrictions regarding your housing and property - not with your HOA but with city or county governments in Cobb? How far is too far when it comes to code enforcement in your neighborhood? Do government officials regulate too much? Or do you think their restrictions are too lax?
For instance, Cobb commissioners are expected to decide in March whether to allow residents to park more vehicles in their driveways since some claim the county rules are too restrictive. Also this week, the Powder Springs City Council voted unanimously to grant a hardship variance to the Lost Mountain Lakes HOA about tree planting requirements based on the city’s 657-page Unified Development Code that was replaced last month.
HOA officials said the neighborhood has “an unusually dense” tree canopy that has caused infrastructure damage, including driveways, home foundations and utilities and that trees need to be thinned out. The council’s agreement with their variance also was accompanied by seven conditions, including approval by city staff of any smaller replacement trees.
Powder Springs Planning and Zoning Commission member Johnnie Purify, an official with the Environmental Protection Agency, said Monday work done on the new UDC by the city’s Community Development Director Tina Garver has made regulations easier for residents. Many applications can be handled now between applicants and staff instead of applicants having to make their case before both the city’s planning and zoning commission and the city council.
The UDC also spells out colors for the downtown district and fence styles throughout the city among many other requirements. (See CityOfPowderSprings.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3541.)
What do you think? How much control should government officials have over your property’s appearance? Send your comments to CommunityNews@ajc.com.
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