Should Augusta slow the pace of apartment construction? That was the question that sparked debate last month. It’s now launching a broader conversation about the city’s approach to residential development.
On Monday, a newly-formed study committee will meet to begin what co-chair Commissioner Stacy Pulliam calls an “open-ended” discussion on how Augusta can better steer future growth.
The meeting will bring together voices from across the housing spectrum, including representatives from Augusta-area associations of realtors and builders, chambers of commerce, city planning officials and the Augusta Housing Authority, Pulliam said.
A residential realtor, Pulliam said she is “super excited” about the discussion, which will allow the subject matter experts to weigh in.
The discussion is expected to cover the city’s existing policies, procedures and codes related to residential construction as well, she said.
A committee’s talk in March about imposing a moratorium on apartment complexes that reportedly “inundated” areas of the city, straining infrastructure, quickly drew the attention of homebuilders, who defended the product and asked to be included in the discussion.
Several on the commission including Pulliam and Don Clark questioned the wisdom of a moratorium on any type of housing product because of an overall shortage.
“We do want to invite development,” Clark said. “Let’s be intentional about what kind of development.”
