Dear editor,
The article on a “construction moratorium” (The Eatonton Messenger, A2, April 10, 2025) needs a little clarification.
The motion, as presented, would not stop construction in the 3rd District. The motion only called for a 90-day pause in rezoning and major subdivision of land parcels (subdivision into four or more parcels). The pause applied only to the 3rd District. No developer or individual would be affected unless they sought a new zoning or were intending to divide a property into four or more separate parcels.
The proposed moratorium would not affect the “Helms Farm” project on Harmony Road, as this is in District 1, not in the 3rd District.
The moratorium would not affect Mr. Sprayberry’s project (Len Resort), since he is not seeking a new zoning or subdividing the property for “The Len Lake Oconee” on Collis Road. In fact, Mr. Sprayberry’s most significant problem appears to be obtaining a permit from EPD to discharge some 50,000 gallons per day of wastewater into Lake Oconee. The proposed moratorium would not prevent the EPD from issuing such a permit.
A moratorium has been used in the past to give the Board of Commissioners time to consider whether an ordinance needs to be changed.
The most recent moratorium in 2023 was to create an ordinance for regulating short-term rentals. A moratorium was proposed to give the Board time to consider whether the current ordinance, specifically the commercial and PUD (Planned Unit Development) zoning, provides adequate control of land uses and protection for established residential neighborhoods.
While the Board agreed to discuss the issue in a work session, in the meantime, we will continue with business as usual.
Steve Hersey, District 3 Commissioner