Dear editor,
I have many questions and concerns about the 275 homes (the actual number keeps changing) residential rental development on Harmony Road connected to the Goodwill project. The biggest problem, as outlined in the September version of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Putnam Development Authority and Harmony Holdings LLC, is the 24-year tax abatement.
We can only discern one other instance of a tax abatement that was for this length of time, and it was not for a residential development. The PDA refers to this development as a “Commercial Residential Development” to make it eligible for a tax abatement. However, the September MOU does not refer to Goodwill or Helms College, even though the developers would have you believe this “residential development” is part of the Goodwill family. If this rental development is part of the overall Goodwill plan for this property, why aren’t they part of the MOU?
A main draw for these rental homes, apartments, condos, and cottages is their access to Lake Oconee. However, it doesn’t appear the developer has made provisions for the storage of boats and other water-related toys that renters might want to own, other than on the street. I can’t think of anything that decreases the quality of a residential development faster than street storage of boats and trailers.
We continue to hear from the commissioners that we need more “affordable housing.” Why do these rental properties that rent for upwards of $2,000 per month get a tax abatement when other, more affordable, rental properties in the county do not? Most people would agree that over $2,000 per month is not affordable housing for our local service workers. Additionally, Putnam County has many seniors living on fixed incomes who can’t afford the rising property taxes. Where is their tax abatement?
The developer also proposes constructing three internal streets that will meet county specifications and then have the taxpayers maintain them perpetually. The county already has trouble maintaining its roads. Why would we add more that don’t contribute to the tax revenue and must be replaced during the abatement? This could significantly strain our local services and resources.
Lastly, does anyone know how much this project will cost county taxpayers in terms of providing county services and lost revenue to the school system? Every Putnam County citizen will contribute to subsidizing this project for 24 years, and what will the taxpayers get?
If you are concerned, please make your voice heard. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of our community. You can contact the Putnam County commissioners, who will be listed in the newspaper or on the Board of Commissioners, Putnam County Georgia web page. Also, please come to the BOC meeting this Friday, Feb. 7th, at 10 a.m. Arrive early to sign up for public comments and speak regarding this agenda item, as you are allowed three minutes.
Erin Olson Putnam County