In 1998, I settled in District 3’s Magnolia Manor Subdivision on Fairview Road and witnessed its transformation from farmland to a rapidly developing residential area. By 2004, facing unchecked growth on Fairview Road, my neighbors and I actively opposed this development style, but our efforts were unable to overcome the established connections between developers and those in decision-making positions. This experience was enlightening, and I applied these insights as a member of Smart Growth Newton County from 2013-2019. The organization focused on raising awareness about the importance of strategic planning for the community’s growth among residents and local authorities.
To address the overgrowth experienced in District 3 and other areas of Newton County, I believe that we must first determine, collaboratively, what is it that we (business owners and community members) want for our community. Next, we must engage in a comprehensive reevaluation of our zoning laws and future land use maps to determine if what is currently in place will allow us to reach our set goal. We must determine whether our future land use map and zoning laws are hindering balanced growth and failing to meet the community’s need. Using this multifaceted initiative, our approach towards development must be recalibrated to ensure the smart sustainable growth that we desire.
As your representative of District 3, I am committed to exploring and, if acceptable, advocating for the implementation of sustainable initiatives. These include developing infrastructure that supports biking and walking, enhancing connectivity to trails, assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Keep Newton Beautiful Department for possible reboot, focusing on waste reduction strategies and organizing more amnesty days specifically for District 3. By prioritizing these sustainable practices, we aim to create a more vibrant, eco-friendly, and connected District 3. In addition, I am fully vested and determined to work collaboratively with my fellow Board of Commissioners members, developers, and residents of District 3. Together, we will ensure that the development of parks and recreational facilities in District 3, as has been promised by our local government since 2017, is executed properly and in the best interests of our community. These efforts not only promote a healthier, more active lifestyle for residents but also contribute to environmental preservation and community well-being. These initiatives for smart growth and sustainability in District 3 go beyond mere proposals; they are a testament to my unwavering commitment to revitalize our district. These efforts symbolize our journey towards transforming District 3 into an exemplary community, one that thrives by overcoming challenges of overgrowth and past planning missteps.
