Cookson Creek residents voiced concern about traffic congestion from new developments and asked the county commission to look at long-term planning. Attorney Jimmy Logan encouraged the commission to consider the concept of planning that looks down the road.

For those living in the Cookson Creek area, the problem is a road that can’t handle the increasing traffic. Sherry Kepsel said there is concern about the already-approved Ocoee Mountain Club development, Ocoee Ridge, and rafting buses from the new location of Nantahala Outdoor Center. In addition, there is a proposal for additional homes and RV lots. “How can we slow down until the infrastructure catches up,” she asked, noting the Road Department does not have money to upgrade the road.

Greg Brooks said there is nothing the commission can do if the development meets Planning Commission guidelines. “Whether we like it or not, the county is growing,” he said, adding that growth money is the only way to support the county. “You moved here too,” he said, adding, “Maybe Ocoee Mountain Club doesn’t like the way you’re doing your business.” Kepsel asked if that meant she could put up a hog farm next to the subdivision and Mark Bishop said there is no zoning in the county. He said there is nothing the commission can do as long as the subdivision guidelines are met, adding he would like to see the developer finish the roads but the bond has been extended.

Pippenger said the commission only gets involved if zoning comes up. He said road work is up to the Road Superintendent. “What can we do?,” she asked, saying they are being told to come to the commission for help with long-term planning.

Logan said he understands the emotions that are involved as the commission is confronted with differing views regarding subdivision, zoning, and other regulations, noting the general sentiment is that the county has not reached the point where zoning would be approved. He recalled the effort to stage the Ocoee Olympics and also look to the future. “We knew the ultimate answer to protecting this pristine Polk County that everybody wants to live in was the concept of a special development authority,” he said. Logan said the time has long since passed when that should have been done, adding it needs state and local leadership to allow professional planning to take place for the benefit of all. “Until you get assistance and professional planning, it’s not going to happen,” he said.

Logan said he has talked to legislators regarding the development authority concept, adding he would need a sense of the commission to support a planning concept that looks down the road. He said there was a potential $17 million investment in 1994 that fell through because of the inability to protect the investment from depreciation. “It’s a matter worthy of your consideration,” Logan told the commission. He suggested a committee to study and report on whether that kind of concept could be used to address issues like infrastructure and coordinated development.