Received today, referring to TXT-2012-02, which is on the agenda for

Monday morning’s Work Session and Tuesday evening’s Regular Session
of the Lowndes County Commission. -jsq

Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2012 13:42:37 -0500

From: Gretchen Quarterman

To: Richard Raines

Subject: Re: Text Amendment

On Thu, Dec 06, 2012 at 12:25:31PM +0000, Richard Raines wrote:

Gretchen,

Richard,

Thanks for your thoughtful and indepth answer.

Based on a conversation with the Chairman yesterday, it is my
understanding that this issue will be tabled until sometime next
year (Chairman-elect Slaughter will decide when to put it back on
the agenda) because we are working with MAFB on a compromise as
they are well aware of our mandate to balance property rights with
protecting against base encroachment.

Interesting, I thought that the commissioners made the decisions
about hearing or tabling an issue, not the chairman. While the
chairman can set the agenda, it is my understanding that the
voting members of the commission are the ones that actually get
to make the decisions.

Since I’ve been on the County Commission we have made it a priority
to constantly evaluate the ULDC and all zoning districts. MAZ 1-3
is no exception and must be evaluated to make sure that it is
balanced and consistent.

I appreciate that.

We have discovered a few inconsistencies with the MAZ which are
not practical and making adjustments will in no way put Moody Air
Force Base in peril. I was recently informed that Lowndes County
is the only community in the country with a MAZ, which means we
have gone to greater lengths than any other community to protect
against encroachment. Making minor adjustments is necessary with
all ordinances and, even if the proposed changes are made, we still
have the only MAZ in the country. Making minor adjustments in an
effort to promote consistency and eliminate duplication is not equal
to an all out assault on Moody.

I have many concerns about the continued presence of Moody AFB in
our community. Moody is a $400M+ economic engine and its loss or
reduction

would have dramatic consequences on our local community.
Chairman Paulk encouraged a $150M gamble on the SPLOST vote and
lost. I would not want our community to take a $400M annual bet
and lose MAFB.

I certainly understand the “property rights” arguments regarding
zoning and planning, however an “every property owner for himself”
mindset will not take us to a good end. As a community we need
to protect not only the base but also VSU and South Georgia Medical.
We are, as you say, a national leader in zoning protection for
the base. Isn’t it nice to be a leading community, rather than
a following one?

It is my understanding that perhaps one of the concerns that the
commissioners have is that the base has housing closer already
than the proposed Joyner development. This certainly is true
but the more houses that are built, the less places there are for
airplanes to crash (and they do crash). I am not against dense
housing. In fact, I am an advocate for housing built close
to existing services.

Finally, it’s not actually clear to me that our community
needs more housing at this time. I understand that developers
are in business to make money and that government is not
in the business of telling someone when or where they can


build, however given that the Valdosta area is one of four
in the state where housing prices continue to decline,

http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2012/12/06/cities-where-home-prices-are-still-plunging/

it seems to me that we don’t actually need more housing just now.

I am also concerned that the developer in question (Joyner Realty)
is the same one to whom the county donated $130,000 of labor to
improve Davidson Road a few years ago. Is our local government
in the business of helping developers? If so, under what conditions
and why?

The County has spent enormous amounts of tax revenues in the last
few years to give Moody Air Force Base an advantage over other bases
in terms of infrastructure and access. Our partnership with the
United States Air Force is strong and, even though we may disagree
over these proposed text amendments, it is no different than any
other disagreement between parties with mutual admiration and
respect.

I always appreciate discussion, debate, and transparency and
your willingness to participate.

I also have something that I’d like to express on the phone
so when you have a moment, would you phone me please?

229-834-1945

Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns.

Thank you for your service to our community,

Gretchen

See also

Valdosta housing prices still dropping —Forbes. -jsq