7 months ago
More than 100 South Bibb County homeowners heard about possible zoning changes to their neighborhood, which lies in the flight path of Robins Air Force Base near the Bibb-Houston County Line.
Bibb County Commissioner Lonzy Edwards hosted the meeting to talk about buying homes at fair market value and rezoning the area.
He says he's worried the government could close the air force base in the next round of base closures because the south Bibb County land near the base is currently zoned as residential.
"Bases across this country have closed because they didn't deal with this issue," Edwards said. "Other communities are way ahead of us and we are going to have to do what's necessary to make sure that our base is protected."
Some homeowners at the meeting expressed concern over possibly having to sell their residential property, and questioned the timing of the issue."I'm frightened because I have 9 plus acres, almost 10, and it may be all I have to leave my children," said Cindy Joyner.
"I'm re-roofing my house to live in it, not to sell it to the county," added Orval Martin. "I'm gonna fight to keep my property."
Edwards said homeowners will have the option to speak with county officials about selling their property as funds become available.
He says it is only for people who are willing. He says they are not going to use eminent domain or make any effort to take people's property or force people from their land. He says that is simply not what this is about.
But Cindy Joyner says if everyone around her moves, she will feel forced out anyway.
While there's no official timetable for the rezoning to take place, Edwards said it needs to get done before the next Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
He says that could happen as early as 2012.
Edwards plans another community forum.
