While at the grocery, I saw a headline in the Sunday Asheville Citizen Times (February 10) titled “Far Western Counties Eye Growth Guidelines.” I took a closer look at the map of North Carolina they displayed with the article. All of the western counties were highlighted, yet surprisingly, they stopped short of including Buncombe County.

While editorials, letters to the editor, and articles concerning development have been the number one topic in local media in recent months, Buncombe County continues to see un-tethered development. As property values soar, along with property taxes, landowners have few options when it comes to keeping their properties. And many existing properties have incurred serious damage from stormwater run off, flooding from nearby construction, newly built impermeable surfaces and mudslides.

In addition, light and noise pollution, as well as disappearing woods, pastures and pristine views, have drastically changed the rural lifestyle once enjoyed by those choosing to live “out in the country.” Entire mountains have been cleared, carved and re-arranged, producing unnatural landmasses. The sudden increase in population only further stresses our already strained water supply that is not being replenished fast enough. Traffic congestion and accidents are more frequent. As land develops, the sprawl grows outward. Surrounding counties see it coming, and they want to do something about it before it’s too late.

Last year, Jackson County Commissioners made a bold and unprecedented move in WNC, despite outcry from developers and the construction community. As a result, they now have stronger ordinances to protect their community. The new ordinances will work to protect and preserve the beautiful mountains and waterways as well as the quality of life for all citizens, but will not stop growth altogether. Developers must simply follow their rules. Yes, it’s the “M” word. They had a moratorium. What is a moratorium? A moratorium is a legal planning tool in North Carolina, and it is not an uncommon practice, especially in times of unprecedented growth.

In Jackson County, commissioners passed a six-month moratorium, or suspension of any new development of subdivisions. Developments in process or those that had been approved were not affected, nor were single-family homes or commercial buildings. During this time, committees helped create ordinances that will provide guidelines and restrictions on steep slope and ridgetop development, density, water quality and sources, and quality of life in the future for Jackson County citizens.

The moratorium was enacted because population growth soared there in recent years and no policies were in place for land use, infrastructure or transportation to guide development. There were concerns about traffic congestion, air pollution, and loss of prime agricultural and forestlands, which subsequently would lower quality of life if growth continued unchecked. The Jackson County government saw the value of the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as the value of their historic, cultural and natural resources.

The moratorium has come and gone in Jackson County. By pausing to plan, Jackson County will preserve its tourist economy and reduce expenses that traditionally accompany unchecked, fast-paced growth, such as strained infrastructure; diminished police, fire, emergency and health care services; and increased road maintenance.

Jackson County is not alone. In June 2007, Chatham County passed a 12-month moratorium on new home developments that had more than 25 lots. They shared the concerns that many residents in Asheville and Buncombe County have: that our infrastructure and services are simply not adequate to accommodate the level of development we’re experiencing. There are many other examples across the state, including Chapel Hill and Carrboro. As of February 1, 2008, Weddington, NC (in Union County just 15 miles from downtown Charlotte) adopted an 18-month moratorium while they considered traffic, land use and zoning concerns.

With the current housing and economic slump, this could be an opportune time for Buncombe County to pause and plan as well, with a moratorium on large-scale subdivision development. It would also benefit Asheville to take a “pause to plan” from large-scale development until a Master Plan can be created.
Visit www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/02_07/02_07_07/subdvn_moratorium.pdf to read the Jackson County moratorium draft. To learn more about how moratoriums are legal planning tools in NC, read a report by Dr. David Owens, UNC School of Government at www.mvalliance.net/Issues.htm; scroll down to “Over-development and Moratoriums” and click on “Land Use and Development Moratoria.”

Mountain Voices Alliance will be sponsoring a Save Our Slopes Rally in downtown Asheville on Saturday, May 3 from 2-4 pm. After a short march from Pritchard Park to City County Plaza, they will feature speakers, live entertainment and information on what citizens can do to preserve their communities. Visit www.mvalliance.net for more details, or call 828-255-8537.

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