During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the development of infrastructure and the implications for property owners in the community. Councilor Trey Howard expressed concerns regarding the proposed amendment that would increase the exemption for property development from 15 acres to 40 acres, emphasizing the need for full infrastructure support before any development proceeds. He argued that existing homeowners should not bear the financial burden of new developments that benefit developers without adequate road maintenance and emergency services.

Howard highlighted the importance of creating a robust homeowners association (HOA) that could effectively manage road maintenance, suggesting that previous failures of HOAs should not deter the community from exploring new, more effective models. He proposed a public workshop to engage the community and commissioners in finding less restrictive solutions for maintaining roads, rather than rushing into amendments that could complicate property rights and responsibilities.

The conversation also touched on the potential for a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) to fund private road maintenance, which Howard believes could provide a fair compromise for property owners. He reiterated the need for a balanced approach that ensures all residents contribute fairly to the upkeep of infrastructure while protecting the rights of existing landowners.

The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing development, infrastructure needs, and property rights, with calls for further community engagement to address these pressing issues.