Politics & Government

Mayor Clears Air on Moratorium

Peachtree Corners mayor, Mike Mason, explains why the 90-day moratorium imposed on the new city was necessary.

Fellow Citizens of Peachtree Corners

There is a lot of misinformation about the moratorium on development in Peachtree Corners. Because of this confusion, let me explain the facts.

The moratorium was designed to provide a stable and orderly transition of planning and zoning services from Gwinnett County to Peachtree Corners.  For example, DeKalb County established a moratorium prior to the start-up of the City of Dunwoody which allowed a successful transition of services and prevented a number of large outdoor billboard signs from being approved within the City limits.  However, Fulton County did not establish a moratorium for Johns Creek and Sandy Springs resulting in some unfortunate consequences, such as:

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  • Johns Creek—An adult entertainment establishment opened the day before Johns Creek incorporated without a business license or a building permit from Fulton County. It took several years and several hundred thousand dollars to resolve the dispute. 
  • Sandy Springs—Building plans and permits were hastily issued by the County prior to the city start up leading to several subsequent lawsuits filed against the City.

We will not risk the consequences faced by other new cities that were established without a moratorium. Our commitment is to establish a city consistent with the same high standards of protection we are all accustomed to in Gwinnett County.     

The scope of our moratorium applies only to new projects, not those already in process If you feel that your project was already in process, but the moratorium stopped your progress, please follow up with the county. 

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On July 1st, when Peachtree Corners becomes a city, we will adopt all of Gwinnett County’s current ordinances in order to provide a consistent, stable legal environment for the protection of businesses and the community. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at: mike.mason@cityofpeachtreecornersga.com.

 

Mike Mason,
Mayor, City of Peachtree Corners

 

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the writer and do not necessary reflect those of Peachtree Corners Patch. If you have an opposing view to the one expressed here, send your opinion to the Patch editor. Please include your phone number so we may contact you.


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