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Residents press for stronger TDR transparency and moratorium safeguards during public comment
Summary
At the Nov. 7 meeting, five public commenters urged clearer rules on transfer-of-development-rights (TDRs), called for better moratorium procedures on rezoning, and praised recent community events; speakers repeatedly asked council to formalize communications, buffers, and accountability.
Five members of the public addressed the council during the public comment period, raising preservation, procedural, and safety concerns and offering praise for recent events.
Renee Prince reviewed the city’s TDR history and noted a small number of registered TDRs, arguing that despite long-standing references to TDRs in the comprehensive plan and related materials, "after seventeen years and a lot of self-serving testimonials we have no TDRs, lots of talk but no action." Prince urged more concrete information after the conservancy publishes details and holds community meetings.
Speakers including Debi Kelso and Scott Shaeffer praised the Fall Festival and public works efforts but warned about rapid development in Serenbe and the possibility that piecemeal plats can avoid oversight such as Designated Regional Impact (DRI) reviews. Danean Crawford, president of the Chatt Hills Citizens Alliance, urged that any moratorium include best practices: preapproved communications, rigorous reporting, restrictions on unilateral negotiations with applicants, and regular written progress to restore trust in the zoning process.
Several commenters suggested the council use moratorium time to clarify processes, define objectives, and craft an exit strategy rather than impose a blanket delay. Councilmembers later echoed the need to improve internal processes during the mayor-and-council comment period.
