Brookhaven Says New Law Would Create 'The Wild West'

BROOKHAVEN, GA -- A controversial proposal now before the General Assembly has drawn the opposition of Brookhaven city leaders. House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172, according to the city, would eliminate a local municipality’s ability to enforce and regulate building design elements for residential homes. On Tuesday night, the Cobb County commission unanimously passed a resolution opposing the measure, as did Brookhaven's mayor and city council Tuesday night.

Mayor John Ernst introduced the resolution, which states, “House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172 as introduced would eliminate local government’s sovereign right for land use decisions including building design standards and create chaos in community development and the shred very fabric and character of neighborhoods across Brookhaven.”

Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman explained that, if passed, the measures could easily have an adverse impact on current property values as developers and homeowners abandon areas that are now protected by current restrictions.

“It becomes the Wild West,” Sigman stated. “It’s a local issue. It’s not a state issue. I have never seen such an overreach by another level of government.”

Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott is hoping the board will back a resolution opposing the measure. "People move to different communities because they like the look and feel of the area," Ott said. "They want to protect their neighborhoods and often work with their local elected officials to do so."

"Commissioners consistently work with different citizen's groups to ensure the quality of development in Cobb County," Ott said. "This helps us keep Cobb the type of community most people move here for."

Read More: Cobb Commissioners May Oppose Controversial House Bill

“It’s not only Brookhaven,” said Ernst. “This power-grab would eliminate any sense of order or decency of residential design and impact the quality of life, home value, and stability of communities across Georgia.”

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