Prudent county planning
Dear editor:
The Garland County/ Hot Springs vicinity is growing in some areas, even in today’s slow economy. Some change is good; some change that affects others is not all good. A “residential campus” of some 94 residence units in the county on Rock Creek Road is being planned and it will impact Rock Creek residents substantially. Without sensible county regulations, this will not be the last large development to affect county citizens and potentially overload the existing county infrastructure.
Garland County currently has no guidelines, regulations or restrictions for new development or construction. Many people have chosen to live in the county, which is without those constraints and will do fierce battle to protect their unrestrained rights – until a proposed project is under consideration in their backyards. Some say, “Not in my backyard!” Others begin to examine, “How is this going to impact me?” The questions are many. Can the county or state road accommodate the additional traffic? Is the road wide enough? Is the road base stable? Is the water main large enough? Does the sewer line have enough capacity for the extra sewage? Will those at the end of the utility lines still have clean water and sewage disposal? Who has the responsibility to install at an already busy intersection a traffic signal necessary for the safety of residents, service providers and guests?
Some consequences of a financial venture without regard for county infrastructure may not manifest for a few years. Currently, the county has no authority to mandate that those who will profit financially be responsible for necessary updating and upgrading of the infrastructure, e. g., the roads and the utilities.
If the costs of additional infrastructure are not placed on the group which will profit from the venture, eventually all county residents will pay for expensive restoration. Anyone who has renovated an old building understands that over the years, neglect damages the plumbing, electrical and structural systems. The fixer- upper becomes costly.
The citizens of Garland County are entitled to know how their tax monies will be committed in the future. Now is the time for the Garland County Quorum Court members to get serious about prudent planning for the future development of our beautiful county. Zoning, extraterritorial jurisdiction ( city of Hot