Our rural, picturesque county is under attack! There is an outside interest in increasing the current density per acre by developers in discussion with our commissioners! The current R5 zoning of 4 units per acre provides adequate support for the growth in Gilmer county.  Increasing the density of units allowed per acre from 4 units to 15 units will harm the rural nature of the county. The current infrastructure for sewer, water and roads will be negatively impacted. The existing 2020-2024 Joint Comprehensive Plan in place should be followed and not amended. Any exceptions to this plan should not be allowed and the next 5 year plan should be evaluated very carefully for consideration of the impact on our beautiful and rural mountain town.  Using overlay districts as a solution to this issue is not a fix.  There is no limit on the number of overlay districts that may be approved and the approval of each overlay district is by the commissioners and not to be set before the county residents.  These resident impacting changes need to be voted on by a county referendum and not made by the zoning committee and approved by the commissioners without oversight.  I am afraid the developers will continue to knock on the door of our great county to make a profit. Our residents will not be able to stop this for profit land grab, once Pandora's box is open. Because money talks. There are no guarantees on what affordable housing would be priced at just because the zoning was modified to increase the density.  You could start with the heartfelt idea using emotional stories of low wage earners like restaurant workers as a developer showpiece and then BAM guess what even they (the workers) can not afford the new development prices. Be aware of federal government over reach into our states ! Gilmer and its twin cities Ellijay and East Ellijay are rural with an agritourism component. Let's keep Gilmer small! No apartments, no high density condo's just vineyards, rivers, agricultural, and agritourism.  That is the Gilmer vision! If the cities want to pursue zoning changes, let the cities do it-  Not Gilmer County!

Signed Very Concerned Land Owner in Gilmer County