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ordinance
should remain
mostly intact
In the face of some criticism last week of the county’s proposed subdivision ordinance, it is important not to lose sight of the ordinance’s overall goal, which is quality growth.
Population growth will soon start in Columbus County. One fear is that unscrupulous developers from other counties will look to Columbus to locate substandard housing because surrounding counties have tougher ordinances.
An argument raised last week is that families would find it more difficult to subdivide property among heirs. While there may be more paperwork involved, residents should consider the alternative.
Having an ineffective subdivision ordinance will, in the long run, only cheapen or devalue land.
It’s easy to find examples in Columbus County where an effective subdivision ordinance -– or a mobile home ordinance that will also be considered in the coming months – would have prevented some of the eyesores that are now blights on their communities.
Look at the devaluation of property values that has occurred around area slum parks. Look at the crime that emanates from them.
Debate on the subdivision ordinance is good, but the county commissioners should not significantly water down the ordinance by trying to change it to fit the needs of every constituent.
The subdivision ordinance should be viewed as part of the bigger picture of quality growth.
Its passage will be a tremendous legacy for the county’s inaugural planning board and this group of county commissioners, provided that the ordinance stays largely intact in its present form.
Otherwise, we’ll get what we deserve as development increases.