Protect the Seaboard Township community from the new 300+ Home Residential Development Project proposed by Traton Homes!

To the Paulding County Planning Commission and the Hiram City Council,

We, the undersigned residents of Seaboard Township, Hiram, Georgia, are deeply concerned about the proposed rezoning for the Traton Homes Community Development (Zoning Case: 2025-08-Z). This massive project, which envisions over 300 new single family & townhomes is planned for the forested area directly adjacent to our community, near the Silver Comet Trail parking lots on both sides of Seaboard Avenue, extending to Route 92 on the west and Rosedale Avenue on the east.

While we understand the need for growth, we believe that this development, in its current form, poses significant threats to our quality of life, local infrastructure, and the very character of Seaboard Township. We urge the Paulding County Planning Commission to recommend DENIAL of this rezoning application, and that the Hiram City Council also DENY final approval, unless and until the Developer fully and demonstrably addresses our community's critical concerns.

Our concern is based on the following urgent issues:

Overwhelming Strain on Local Infrastructure: The addition of over 300 new homes will place an immense and unacceptable burden on our already strained local infrastructure. This includes:

• Severe Traffic Congestion: Our roads, particularly Seaboard Avenue and Route 92, are not equipped to handle the significant increase in daily traffic this development will generate.
• Overburdened Schools: Even if marketed as a specific type of community, the sheer volume of new homes will inevitably add pressure to our local schools, which may already be at or near capacity.
• Strained Emergency Services: Our local fire department and other essential emergency services, operating with limited resources in Hiram, will face increased demands, potentially impacting response times for all residents.

Inadequate Stormwater Management & Environmental Impact: Seaboard Township, especially our Phase 2 residents, are already battling severe stormwater management and flooding issues due to previously inadequate drainage systems. It's absolutely crucial that this proposed development includes a robust, independently verified, and legally binding stormwater management plan that:

• Prevents Additional Flooding: Ensuring that the new development does not exacerbate existing flooding problems within Seaboard Township.
• Protects Local Environment: Guarantees proper water drainage and addresses potential negative impacts on our detention pond and nearby streams, preserving our local ecosystem.
• Requires Pre-Construction Mitigation: Demands that comprehensive mitigation measures are in place before any ground disturbance begins.

Preservation of Community Character and Control of Rental Properties: We are also deeply concerned about the growing trend of corporate home ownership and the unchecked proliferation of rental properties, including short-term rentals like Airbnb. These can fundamentally alter the long-term residential character and stability of our community.  We demand that the Developer include:

• Legally Enforceable Covenants: Inclusion of clear and binding covenants in the final HOA Declarations that prevent an influx of corporate-owned rental homes.
• Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals: Explicit and enforceable prohibitions on short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) within the new development to maintain a stable, owner-occupied environment.
• Commitment to Homeownership: A firm commitment to fostering a genuine homeowner-occupied community that aligns with the established aesthetic and norms of our area.

We urge the Paulding County Planning Commission and the Hiram City Council to prioritize the well-being of existing residents and the long-term health of our community. We are not opposed to responsible growth, but we cannot support a project that poses such significant risks without concrete, legally binding, and effective mitigation strategies in place.

---

Your voice matters! Please sign this petition to demand that our concerns are addressed. Attend the upcoming public hearings to make your voice heard directly:

Paulding County Planning Commission: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM

Paulding County Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM

Together, we can ensure that Seaboard Township continues to thrive while staying true to its character.

Sign this petition and share it with your neighbors!

Sincerely,

The Concerned Residents of Seaboard Township