Oliver told forum members the proposal is a challenge because it moves water out of the Chattahoochee River basin and into the Oconee River basin and Oliver said that is water that is not coming back.
"To me that's a full issue, the future of this county depends on bringing water back," Oliver said. "I don't have a crystal ball, but I'll bring the water back unless somebody tells me later on that was the wrong decision to make."
Oakwood's plan to expand wastewater treatment by tying onto both Braselton and Hall County's system comes up later this month before the Commission for review and a possible vote.
KEEP SINGLE FAMILY HOME GROWTH
Oliver said he still wants single-family residential growth in the county.
Oliver said he feared out of control growth brought on by massive apartment development like he's seen in neighboring Gwinnett County.
"I don't want to end up that way," Oliver said. "I want to make sure that people who live here cut their own yards, and the more we can have that done, the better off we are."
Oliver added that he would support single-family affordable housing for low to middle income workers without putting them in rented apartment complexes.
PREDICTIONS FOR 2007
Oliver predicted a strong development year for Hall County, citing a billion dollars in development coming to Hall last year, including $360-million commitment from Northeast Georgia Medical Center with its new south Hall hospital.
"That's a staggering amount of money and a staggering amount of opportunities and I think this community is ready for it," Oliver said.
Oliver said the Commission will work on getting an industrial park for Highway 129, and added that a through a joint sewer development agreement between the county and the cities of Gainesville and Lula, a 120 acre industrial park will result on the 365 Corridor in North Hall.
Oliver said he expected the Gateway Corridor Overlay District for South Hall would move forward this year with some adjustments.
At their final 2006 meeting last month the Commission postponed final approval of the district, which sets development standards for nine major roads and highways.
"If we can get it down to one page I think we've got a good project," Oliver said.
Oliver said Hall County's real challenge this year is understanding growth.
"Who where we are, where we are and what we will be, is a very big challenge for all of us," he said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/1/98009