Grovetown puts temporary halt on some housing developments so infrastructure can catch up Putting a pin in development (Atlanta: apartment complex, new home)

[Airforceguy]

I think this is a good move on their part.

City leaders say, development needs to slow down, so the infrastructure can keep up with what's already here.

"Nothing amazes me anymore about the growth in this town. Nothing," said Frank Wilson, Owner of Frank Wilson's Equipment Center.

Not even the fact that a portion of a block off Robinson Avenue is transforming into a road leaving Frank Wilson's Equipment Center on a corner lot.

"Those bells we hear them all the time," said Wilson.

That road goes to a new elementary school only a block away from his store. Go a block further, a brand new 83 unit apartment complex. It doesn't stop there. There's also boom off Exit 190 turning a quiet city, into the sound of construction.

"10 years ago you wouldn't recognize it today if you hadn't been back," said Keith Voss.

"This town has not kept up with the infrastructure," said Wilson.

Infrastructure like roads and sewer lines, and that's why the city is putting a halt on some multi-family housing units that wanted approval to set up North of Robinson Avenue. City leaders said no because the city and the infrastructure can't keep up.

Grovetown puts temporary halt on some housing developments so infrastructure can catch up

[keatkeat_]

Yes, let's play catch up now and halt new growth in the area so it goes somewhere else rather than being proactive and anticipating the growth in population (aka responsible government). But Grovetown shouldn't feel lonely, all of Columbia County could be thrown into the "let's pretend we don't have a problem until it's so big no one can possibly ignore it" category.

My question is: Are they halting growth for the next 5-7 years? Because at the pace our local DOT improves roads that's how long it will take to make sure infrastructure is sufficient for what's already built (much less any new growth on top of that).

I'm fed up with the ignorance our local leaders have shown by their lack of forethought. All it takes is a simple wikipedia search of Columbia County to be told "it's one of the fastest growing counties in the nation" yet it seems like a daily occurrence that the chronicle is printing a story that includes a county official who is simply astonished by all the newcomers. It's maddening. Quit ignoring the problems and do your jobs.

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by keatkeat_

Yes, let's play catch up now and halt new growth in the area so it goes somewhere else rather than being proactive and anticipating the growth in population (aka responsible government). But Grovetown shouldn't feel lonely, all of Columbia County could be thrown into the "let's pretend we don't have a problem until it's so big no one can possibly ignore it" category.

My question is: Are they halting growth for the next 5-7 years? Because at the pace our local DOT improves roads that's how long it will take to make sure infrastructure is sufficient for what's already built (much less any new growth on top of that).

I'm fed up with the ignorance our local leaders have shown by their lack of forethought. All it takes is a simple wikipedia search of Columbia County to be told "it's one of the fastest growing counties in the nation" yet it seems like a daily occurrence that the chronicle is printing a story that includes a county official who is simply astonished by all the newcomers. It's maddening. Quit ignoring the problems and do your jobs.

I agree, but this problem isn't just limited to Columbia County. It seems many of the fast growing regions of Georgia fail to plan for the growth that is in their area.

[keatkeat_]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

I agree, but this problem isn't just limited to Columbia County. It seems many of the fast growing regions of Georgia fail to plan for the growth that is in their area.

Hmmm, you're right. The entire northern portion of the Atlanta metro for starters?

[amlovingit]

South Augusta to Hepzibath will benefit from this decision

[AUGnative]

Not unless their schools dramatically improve. Also this is just the city of Grovetown.. this does not impact the unicorporated parts of teh county where much of the growth is ocurring. Columbia County definitely need sto slow down with the subdivisions until they can get the road infrastructure up to adequate levels... but why was the county not doing this hand in hand with the new subdivision development? Their approach is very reactive..as though they are shocked by all the new homes and kids in school. Well the county granted the construction permits so they knew this was coming. And how long does it take to install a simle trafic light at William Few and Chambling Road. Residents have been waiting for years for a light at that intersection to now avail. To me this just shows total incomptence on the part of county leadership and the county administrator. But I also put some blame on the residents themselves for continuing to reelect the same people over and over who have created this mess. Hopefully the voters will wake up and clean out in the next election and elect people who can manage the growth properly.

[amlovingit]

It take a act of congress to put up a traffic light. It not as easy as it look

[Worren]

This might be the best time to reduce the size of government. Columbia county has resources, personnel and the means to support, if not solve these issues. Why do the taxpayers have to support an isolated, independent city government? If they voted to consolidate the City and County governments such as Richmond County did, the saved resources could be put to better use. Grovetown's issues with water bills is just one prime example why a City Government is not as efficient as a combined city/county government. Jobs would not be lost as personnel will still be needed to keep things going. Decision making would become more efficient because fewer egoes would be involved. Utilities would become more reliable and the situation where something legal in the County might get a person locked up in the City. Maybe everyone should give this some thought.

[AUGnative]

No it is a county road, not a state or federal highway. This is purely at the discretion of the county government. For whatever reason they have decided to to let the traffic situation get worse yet still keep approving building permits.

[amlovingit]

County don't have any control over it, GDOT does but they can ask for a request for an traffic light in that location. And that still doesn't mean they will get approved for it.