Commissioner Jeff Rader on Re-Developments
Zoning: Creating a Win-Win
Jul 23, 2008
by Jeff Rader
While the Board of Commissioners' role in day-to-day administration is limited by the structure of DeKalb County's government, the Board does have the power to shape the county through its zoning authority. In a typical BOC meeting, many of the items on the agenda relate to zoning issues.
The zoning process serves as a mechanism to influence the future development of the county. The goal is to create a win-win situation that serves the public interest by enabling business investments that offer new amenities and a better community to the public....
The right to develop property more intensively is the most valuable benefit that we as a commission can bestow on a landowner. Clearly, the right development in the right place can bring benefits to the community, and provide needed revenues to fund public services, but unless the rezoning is in the public interest, it can rightfully be seen as a giveaway, at the public's expense. ...
To see the full article, visit Commissioner Rader's website here.