« Gwinnett approves long-range land use plan »

Last month I highlighted how Gwinnett County's proposed long-range plan was unfriendly to the property rights of Gwinnett property owners.  Unfortunately, the Gwinnett County Commission approved that plan Tuesday.  The City of Dacula remains concerned about the impact of the plan on economic development in the area surrounding the city.  That vocal champion of property rights, District 1 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau (readers new to the Buzz should note the heavy sarcasm of that comment) had this to say with respect to Dacula's concerns:

But Commissioner Mike Beaudreau, whose district includes Dacula, said the plan is more about the county's long-term viability than short-term goals.

"It's trying to steer the growth in the future to the areas that have the infrastructure," Beaudreau said. "That's something citizens have been calling for for decades."

I wonder if those citizens "calling" for this plan have economic stakes in the land near Dacula?  Driving growth toward existing infrastructure sounds great if you are not one of the those landowners.  Besides, doesn't government exist to meet our needs (i.e., develop the infrastructure citizens need) rather than for us to serve government (i.e., focus our economic choices around what the government has built)?  This plan effectively limits the economic uses of these parcels of land.  Limited choice depresses value which negatively impacts the wealth of landowners.  Given that land holdings are often a major component of someone's personal wealth, this plan could be a significant drag for those impacted.  Furthermore, there is the valid concerns of the City of Dacula regarding economic development in its area.  Fortunately, Gwinnett County does seem to be willing to listen to Dacula's concerns:

Despite the approval Tuesday, which came after state review of the plan, the county's discussions with Dacula will continue. A mediation hearing is scheduled for the dispute, and County Administrator Jock Connell said leaders could choose to amend the plan based on the results.

Let's hope Gwinnett County will be as receptive to all landowners harmed by this plan even if those individuals do not have the weight of a city council behind them.