Friday, May 18, 2001

Kenn wants North, South Fulton zoning handled separately

Fulton County Commission Chairman Mike Kenn wants to see North and South Fulton zoning matters handled separately, saying he believes it will improve efficiency.

Kenn last week circulated a proposed resolution to streamline zoning procedures.

"My office receives numerous phone calls and e-mails a week complaining about the lack of focus and efficiency involved in our rezoning process. This first step will go a long way to make the Fulton County zoning process more responsive to the citizens in North and South Fulton," said Kenn.

The resolution, if enacted, would:

F Transform the Planning Commission into two regional community boards that would be specific to North and South Fulton.

"Given the geographical diversity of Fulton County, two separate boards are necessary to give specific focus on the differing needs of the two regions. Putting all of Fulton County together simply doesn't make sense for land use. South Fulton is poised to be the economic engine of this area we need to ensure that the mistakes made in North Fulton are not repeated in the southern half of the county," said Kenn.

F Require that all plans, drawings and documents presented to the community zoning boards be submitted at least one week prior to the meeting, or, those documents will not be considered as part of the application.

"This will ensure that all parties are being open and up front, in plenty of time to have a meaningful dialogue for the meeting," said Kenn.

F Streamline the ability of the community zoning boards to make specific recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Proposals would move forward to the board with one of the following recommendations:

·Approved as presented by the applicant.

·Approved as recommendation by staff.

·Deferred as recommended by staff.

·Denied.

Passage of the ordinance is not expected to necessarily go smoothly, Kenn said.

"Any time you attempt to reform systems of government, there is going to be resistance just because it is not business as usual. I sincerely hope that the majority of the board recognizes the inefficiencies of our current system, and will vote with me to bring that zoning process back to the people."

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