I’m aware of a recent flurry of talk about how the town has permitted subdivisions without citizens knowing what was happening Similar talk has centered around the new fire station. For seven years I have advocated for open communication in town government, so when I hear these rumblings about secrecy I feel compelled to respond.
There has been a small subdivision in the Mirror Lake area that was recently approved by the town board. Another small subdivision is in process on 5th Street. Both projects have been required to go through a multi-layered review. There has been no hidden agenda kept from public knowledge.
The subdivision approval process begins with a developer submitting the forms and documents for the proposed subdivision to the town planning department. A preliminary subdivision plat/map developed by a private engineer is required. The town engineer reviews the plans and determines if they meet the subdivision ordinance requirements for water, sewer, electrical, and road specifications. The town engineer writes a letter of verification to the town planner and the planning board.
The planning board then reviews the plan and makes their recommendations for the proposed subdivision to the town board. The town board completes a review of the preliminary plan based on the planning board and town engineer’s recommendations. Once preliminary approval is given by the board, the developer can then proceed to build the subdivision infrastructure following the approved plans. Upon completion of the infrastructure, the town engineer inspects the completed work to insure all specifications have been met. The town board reviews the completed, final subdivision plan, which includes a recommendation of the town engineer before giving final approval. At this point, and not before, construction of houses can proceed. If a developer meets all subdivision ordinance requirements, there is no basis for denying the final subdivision plan. It is not an arbitrary process.
I stress that this is an open, public process. Sometimes residents notice a development as construction gets underway and suspect it was a hidden process.
I encourage folks to signup for the Town’s sunshine List. When I last checked 148 people were on the list. Those folks on the list receive every document town board members receive prior to monthly meetings, including preliminary subdivision plans. They also receive information concerning meetings such as the zoning board of adjustment and the planning board.
Signing up is simple. Call town hall at 828-526-2118 and ask to speak to our town clerk, Gibby Shaheen. She will put your name and email address on the list.
Those on the list, including the press, were informed about the public meetings, and hearings concerning the development of the new fire station. All the state statues for approving the construction of the fire station were followed, including a public vote by the Highlands Town Board and the Macon County Board of Commissioners.
By the way, if the large files that the Sunshine List receives is not appealing, reading the local newspapers is a good alternative. Our local journalists review all items in every agenda packet, attend all town meetings and disseminates the information to their readers. Or, one can listen to the WHLC radio program, “Ask the Mayor.” The Community Coffee with the Mayor will resume with in-person meetings once the COVID-19 situation improves.