The Market Is Not Free

The "market" has never been free. Favorable laws and overt preferential treatment has ruled the day across Georgia. The state legislature just passed a Private Cities law that allows developers to issue municipal bonds. Under that scheme services provided outside the development are over stressed to support the enterprise. Essentially people inside pay double taxation, while people outside subsidize the developer.

Henry County's code allows for Planned Developments. The justification was to provide live-work-play environments. And they have been approved by the BoC. Show me one, please, that truly matches the intended outcome.

We also allow Conservation Subdivisions wherein greenspace is traded for high density. The concept is a good one, but it is sorely abused. When the land has a stream, wetland or other un-buildable lots, they are "traded" as greenspace. This is just another government effort to allow builders to increase rooftops at a higher price point - it does not meet the desired outcome of true greenspace.

Both development types increase net density, traffic and impact to schools. But the justifications for creating such ordinances have been left in the dust.

We could do what Steve Cash talks about and have more affordable
housing because it's the only thing that is selling. We don't have enough $150,000 homes in Henry. They sell fast. Should the government demand this type of housing so builders won't go broke, so those that purchase them can pay for them and banks can make money?

I have great respect for Steve Cash. But I recognize that it is his job to promote the interests of HCQG members. Let's not forget that lobbying for an industry association does not necessarily mean promoting sound public policy.

There is a ripple effect on all sides of this argument. First is a desire to provide lower cost housing. Secondly there is the tax revenue vs. costs of services. Then, too, we must consider infrastructure (roads, schools, water) required to support higher population.

In order to follow the 2030 Land & Transportation Plan, centers of activity are needed. Let's assume lower cost housing and therefore lower income residents. And a lot of them.

As in the case of Wesley Lakes in McDonough, these will be the first people to demand government services like parks and recreation facilities. In the grand scheme, folks across the county will be asked to support Activity Centers, roads, libraries, and senior centers. While some of that infrastructure cost can be met by SPLOST-type taxes, the long-term costs of staffing, maintenance and operations must be funded from countywide general fund coffers.

We must think beyond the scope of theory. We must open our eyes to the realities of government involvement that already exists. It is folly to believe that any market segment operates in a vacuum.

Promoting "affordable" housing - because it sells fast - may help the cause of struggling builders. And it may appear to support a freer market. But it is support, not the theoretical hands-off position.

It will financially strap the entire county. Lowering standards to promote sales is, once again, preferable treatment for the industry. Yes, it is in our interest to desire government intervention as equal protection under the law. Whereas a single industry can cause economic havoc among the citizenry, regulation is justified.