The City of Baldwin’s second reading of a zoning ordinance, which would rezone a property on Willingham Avenue to allow for the development of 23 townhomes, failed in a 3-2 vote at their Monday meeting.
During their discussion, Councilwoman Alice Venter noted that the property owner has owned and paid taxes on the piece of land for sixteen years, and has maintained the property during that time. She also voiced concerns for senior citizens in Habersham that can no longer care for their properties and are looking for lower maintenance places to live within the county.
“I don’t know at what point in history Americans started letting government tell us what to do with our property,” Councilwoman Venter said. “[…] I’m passionate about that [senior citizens], but I’m most passionate about [not] telling people what to do with their property.”
Councilwoman Stephanie Almagno continued to voice her opposition to the presented plan.
“We had citizens come forward who already pay taxes to us, who spoke out against this for a variety of reasons,” Almagno said. “[Such as] children’s safety, traffic, and I don’t think we should disregard the comments of the citizens that are already here.”
Almagno also brought up concerns that the area is zoned specifically for neighborhood commercial use, which she feels the city hasn’t tried to develop. She mentioned that small businesses run by Baldwin residents, like PattyKakes in Cornelia, have to leave the city due to the lack of storefronts.
Councilman Maarten Venter commented on the road safety and traffic concerns he felt that businesses on Willingham Avenue could bring to the nearby Baldwin Elementary School. He did not mention how a townhome development could impact road safety and traffic near the school.
After much discussion, Councilwoman Venter made the motion, which Councilman Venter seconded. Councilman Larry Lewallen, Councilman Theron Ayers and Councilwoman Almagno all voted in opposition, causing the motion to fail.
The area will remain zoned for neighborhood commercial use, and the council did not discuss reapproaching the matter following the motion’s failure.
A recording of the meeting is available on the city’s Facebook page.
This article has been updated.
