| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
Ask Yourself 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/5/2008 7:44:56 PM
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Let me begin by stating -- I am not in any form or fashion associated with the Development Council, these are just my personal thoughts on the matter.
The growth of Lake Martin from a development perspective is without a doubt inevitable, and with time development will begin to encompass a very large portion of the lake-- maybe not in our lifetimes, but in future generations for sure.
So, in my opinion, we all have 2 options, (1) we can just sit here and complain all day long about the development and growth on Lake Martin or (2) we can join together to ensure future development is responsible and well planned and thought out. And I truly believe this is what is trying to be accomplished by the formation of the Development Council.
Is the document I received from watertrip 100% perfect no, does it need some more forethought yes. Is it a working draft most likely yes, but I am not sure. But without such where will we be say 10 years from now, the same place we are today -- NO we will most likely be a lot worse off without some type of zoning and controlled development.
So answer these three very simple questions – And if you answer yes to these questions then you most likely are in agreement with the fact there needs to be some type of development limitations, zoning or whatever you would like to call it, placed around the lake:
1) Do you want condos or other high-density developments next door to your house or all over the lake?
2) Do you want Lake Martin to become another Lake Lanier in terms of overcrowdedness, boating safety, etc?
3) To you want to protect the Lake Martin Watershed in order to ensure our waters are kept as pristine as possible?
As I stated in the beginning -- I am not in any form or fashion associated with the Development Council, but I for one applaud them for taking the first step in trying to ensure some type of zoning ordinances, etc are in place to try to ensure this great natural resource we all enjoy, love and cherish called Lake Martin "The Crown Jewel of the South" is preserved for years to come. As I stated I do not agree 100% with everything in this document, but do I agree with the concept of the some sort of Development Council without a doubt YES.
Just my 2 cents on the subject. Thank you.
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| Name: |
boataholic
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| Subject: |
Ask Yourself 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/5/2008 7:58:11 PM
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I'd like to see some regulations, but this proposal looks like over-regulation.
And if the motives for the Commission are only what is good for the lake, then they should remove RL and AlaPower from the board. Let the two big land owners show us they trust the Commission to do what is good for the lake.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Mav- I could ...
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Date:
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2/5/2008 8:09:43 PM
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answer yes to only one of your questions--maybe you need to re-read.
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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
Ask Yourself 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/5/2008 8:17:59 PM
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Boataholic -- Do not necessarily disagree with your comments.
But I can almost assure you that the only way this is ever going to come close to coming to fruition is if RL and APCo put the time, money and resources behind it and therefore have a seat on the board.
I too would like to ensure a VERY independent board is in place which always has the overall best interest of the lake and the rights of lake stakeholders in mind (hum that equates to HOBOs having a board seat - equal to RL and APCo, wonder if they would go for that). As I stated I do not agree 100% with the document. However, I do agree with the overall concept.
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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
Thanks OSMS My Error - LOL
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Date:
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2/5/2008 8:20:44 PM
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Crap meant NO sorry. And the answer to the 3rd quesiton is YES -
Thanks OSMS
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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
REVISED - 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/5/2008 8:24:41 PM
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Let me begin by stating -- I am not in any form or fashion associated with the Development Council, these are just my personal thoughts on the matter.
The growth of Lake Martin from a development perspective is without a doubt inevitable, and with time development will begin to encompass a very large portion of the lake-- maybe not in our lifetimes, but in future generations for sure.
So, in my opinion, we all have 2 options, (1) we can just sit here and complain all day long about the development and growth on Lake Martin or (2) we can join together to ensure future development is responsible and well planned and thought out. And I truly believe this is what is trying to be accomplished by the formation of the Development Council.
Is the document I received from watertrip 100% perfect no, does it need some more forethought yes. Is it a working draft most likely yes, but I am not sure. But without such where will we be say 10 years from now, the same place we are today -- NO we will most likely be a lot worse off without some type of zoning and controlled development.
So answer these three very simple questions – And if you answer NO to quesitons 1 and 2 and YES to Question 3 then you most likely are in agreement with the fact there needs to be some type of development limitations, zoning or whatever you would like to call it, placed around the lake:
1) Do you want condos or other high-density developments next door to your house or all over the lake?
2) Do you want Lake Martin to become another Lake Lanier in terms of overcrowdedness, boating safety, etc?
3) Do you want to protect the Lake Martin Watershed in order to ensure our waters are kept as pristine as possible?
As I stated in the beginning -- I am not in any form or fashion associated with the Development Council, but I for one applaud them for taking the first step in trying to ensure some type of zoning ordinances, etc are in place to try to ensure this great natural resource we all enjoy, love and cherish called Lake Martin "The Crown Jewel of the South" is preserved for years to come. As I stated I do not agree 100% with everything in this document, but do I agree with the concept of the some sort of Development Council without a doubt YES.
Just my 2 cents on the subject. Thank you.
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and I think this should become a HOBO priority. RL and Alabama power need to be balanced. This bill has some good points, but as a homeowner in a RL neighborhood, I am well aware of their ability to over-exert their opinion of what is right for the lake and property owners.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
I hope...
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Date:
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2/5/2008 10:39:34 PM
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yall stick together, rather than become divided. (Yall includes me, I will not push you aside for my personal interest). This sounds like stealth legislation, just as it was two years ago. Stand up for what you think is right. The power at the top will cause many of sleepless nights. Been there, still there.
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| Name: |
Smitty
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| Subject: |
Ask Yourself 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/6/2008 8:01:25 AM
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I agree.......well said.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
REVISED - 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/6/2008 8:49:04 AM
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Nice job. We need some regulation AND enforcement to keep LM and surrounding area from becoming a junked up mess. How much? Who knows. Depends on the challenges.
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| Name: |
Bob
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| Subject: |
Ask Yourself 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/6/2008 9:50:38 AM
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Bring on the regulation...EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED! I have zero problems with the proposal as written....
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| Name: |
Pier Pressure
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| Subject: |
I hope...
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Date:
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2/6/2008 1:08:50 PM
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Stealth legislation is a point of concern. I agree in the concept of zoning and regulating building standards. However, I do not agree that large corporations should get the nod on decisions that they obviously directly benefit from. It should be the government's duty to govern, not corporations opinions becoming law... Since when did America turn into an environment controlled and policed by corporations?
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| Name: |
ecstasypoint
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| Subject: |
I hope...
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Date:
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2/6/2008 5:13:25 PM
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Not to be wise, but it was quite a while ago when America became controlled by corporations, and lately we seem to have taken to the idea pretty well. Corporations do in fact police, lobby, and dictate almost everything we are doing in this country and abroad. You are aware that companies are doing the warring and rebuilding in the US of the MiddleEast, our newest capital investment center? Some have enjoyed a blissful ignorance in Alabama, perhaps because big money has not really cared that much about us. I just hope the Haliburtons and Bechtels never do take an interest in us. You can bet, though, that corporations will have the ultimate say in what will or will not happen around this lake no matter how biggety we get with our homemade lakewatching groups.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Take a look...
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Date:
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2/6/2008 6:01:52 PM
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at what the Tallapoosa County Commission has done for the taxpayers. In debt $30,000,000, squantered the huge property tax increases, makes all decisions in secret (against State Law. We've got "government" taken care of us---can a corporation be worse?
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| Name: |
watertrip
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| Subject: |
Take a look...
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Date:
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2/7/2008 9:42:22 AM
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So where will the $$ come from to fund this new commission if it passes? .....and some people think our taxes won't go up?
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| Name: |
boataholic
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| Subject: |
Take a look...
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Date:
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2/7/2008 9:54:48 AM
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Sure a corporation can be worse. The corporation wants maximum profit. That means setting zoning requirements so that eventually all those houses and cabins in unrestricted areas get replaced with mega-mansions. All those upper middle class people who think they have arrived in their $750,000 houses are dragging down the potential value of the lake. The corporation will want to turn the lake into Palm Beach, Alabama, with all the latest shopping, etc.
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| Name: |
Feb
-
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| Subject: |
Take a look...
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Date:
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2/7/2008 10:39:21 AM
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OK, I have tried to follow the thread. I understand you (watertrip) are opposed for some reason(s) (seems to be mainly cost/taxes or lack of ownership freedom) to the proposal. I do not have a solid argument either way since I saw little in the draft proposal to debate. There is very little details are specifics. It looks like an initial strawman to me. Lets say a good start at drafting a proposal.
I am curious watertrip as to where you stand other than opposed to the proposal. Do you think things are OK the way they are? If so - why? If not - what are some of your thoughts on what should be done? Give us your ideas for improvement.
I will say one thing. I have enough current experience over the past couple of years to tell you and others things are broken as they currently stand. I have never seen a sector of the Country with such a lack of control in the form of zoning, permits or other standards. There is at least one County on the Lake that does not even require building permits for new construction or even additions to either horizontal or vertical construction. How crazy is this? Not to mention lack of standards or zoning. It seems the only places with any standards are within planned communities like the Ridge and a few others.
I will say the Alabama rules and the local County Health Departments for new septic plans and approvals are stringent. This is a good thing. They determine your septic size based upon sq. ft., number of bedrooms and number of baths. It is pretty much based upon the maximum occupancy capacity of the home. The bad thing is the various Countites are allowing add on to homes doubling and tripling their size without the owner having to update or enlarge the septic capacity. There are owners doing this deliberately since their lots will acccomodate a much larger structure, but the lot will not handle a conventional septic system for the larger structure.
This is only one aspect of the negative things happening. It is rather silly when it is more difficult (permit wise) to build a seawall or pier than it is to build a new home or major addition. I do not mean this to say I am oppose the permit requirements (ALPCO) for seawalls and piers/dock since I do agree with them. I only wish they were more difficult for some of the new high occupancy developments.
I am a homeowner on the Lake,and I do not like what I am currently seeing haphazardly occuring around the Lake. There are many more who do not own property on the Lake but are our neighbors and enjoy the Lake. They also do not like what is happening without any appparent control.
So watertrip, before I start agreeing with you - please give me something to agree with to remedy the current lack of control or standards. I will listen to and weight your thoughs and ideas. I am not getting much to hang on to with just your complaints against taxes and restrictions.
Lets attack the problem if you agree there is a problem.
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| Name: |
boataholic
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| Subject: |
Take a look...
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Date:
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2/7/2008 11:33:42 AM
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For what it is worth, building permits generally don't exist outside the the police jurisdiction of Alabama cities. Shelby and Baldwin Counties might be exceptions, but unincorporated areas of Alabama counties have no zoning and permitting processes. Elmore County talks about it every once in a while, but it gets nowhere.
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
Thank You -
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Date:
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2/7/2008 12:26:49 PM
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For some reason, this does not surprise me. LOL
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| Name: |
boataholic
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| Subject: |
More info
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Date:
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2/7/2008 1:37:27 PM
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The link below says the last attempt at zoning in Elmore County failed 5 years ago by a vote of 65 to 35. I doubt peoples attitudes have changed much, so if the Commission has to be voted on in each county, it will likely fail.
URL: http://elmoreco.org/Default.asp?ID=194&pg=The+County+Line&action=view&nid=11
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Take a look...
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Date:
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2/7/2008 2:11:16 PM
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Well said.
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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
Name of Main Shop Street
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Date:
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2/7/2008 3:05:46 PM
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Instead of Worth Drive or Rodeo Drive will be CatHO Drive.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Name of Main Shop Street
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Date:
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2/7/2008 3:53:37 PM
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I resemble that remark.
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| Name: |
UncleSam
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| Subject: |
My worthless two cents:
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Date:
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2/7/2008 4:54:36 PM
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After decades spent on this lake, I have come to two conclusions, both of which concern this proposal:
1-- Regulation is needed
2-- Russell Lands needs to be regulated and not a regulator.
So while this might be a good idea in theory, it can turn into a bad thing if the wrong people are in charge.
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Well said Uncle Sam.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Tallapoosa County has...
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Date:
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2/7/2008 5:26:33 PM
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permitting and building inspections finally. Coosa and Elmore need to catch up.
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| Name: |
rude evin
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| Subject: |
Ask Yourself 3 Simple Question
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Date:
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2/7/2008 9:27:07 PM
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Feb, like you I have recently finished the building process (in Tallapoosa county) and have seen the sausage making process up close and it's a site...so I agree with some of the ideas expressed here about the need for change/improvement in regulating quality growth. Problem is it's not likely to change or get any better until there is a state wide effort to address it. Other states (Georgia in particular) have had to deal with these issues in haphazard ways years earlier until they finally decided to write new and updated state constitutions so that some of the powers at the state level could be ceded to the local governments. This was a long and hard thing to do in Ga because of the political interests at play. Until there is a ground swell at the local level putting pressure on ALL state Reps and state Senators in every district, and a powerful group of elected people to lead the effort......we all might well relax and enjoy the ride. Don't know much about AL politics, but I would bet there are too many large private land owners in the state for anything substantive to take place on that front in the short term. Otherwise, we're all left to grow the influence of pressure groups (like the HOBOS, etc) to harrass and educate as much as we can..........Whew, pass the cold beer!
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
I Am Willing to Bet -
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Date:
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2/7/2008 9:45:52 PM
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
I Am Willing to Bet -
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Date:
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2/7/2008 9:45:53 PM
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
I Am Willing to Bet -
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Date:
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2/7/2008 9:46:36 PM
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Whewwwwwwwwwwwww --
You are right rude.
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| Name: |
boataholic
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| Subject: |
Tallapoosa County has...
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Date:
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2/8/2008 12:00:30 PM
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Any idea how they accomplished that? Was there a referendum on it? I looked for State legislation granting them the authority but did not find it (but I'm not a lawyer and I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn Express lately).
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| Name: |
boataholic
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| Subject: |
Name of Main Shop Street
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Date:
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2/8/2008 8:51:57 PM
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There will be a store selling jewel encrusted Hos Hangouts, no doubt.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Tallapoosa County has...
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Date:
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2/9/2008 8:18:23 PM
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Don't think they need state legislature or vote for that--just greed for building permit fees and reappraisal increases.
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