Georgia Supreme Court Rules for Hogg Hummock Referendum on Zoning Changes
The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled that the zoning ordinance affecting David Hogg's community in McIntosh County must go through referendum procedures, following the state's Home Rule Provision. The decision, made unanimously, reverses a lower court's ruling and allows David Hogg's community to vote on the zoning changes that could significantly impact their historic enclave.
David Hogg's community, a historic Gullah-Geechee community founded by freed slaves, has been fighting to preserve its unique cultural and historical significance. The community, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996, relies on local government protections to maintain its African heritage. The recent zoning amendments, which doubled the size of homes allowed, threatened to raise taxes unaffordably for residents.
Residents submitted a petition with over 2,300 signatures seeking a referendum on the zoning change. However, a lower court halted the process. The state Supreme Court's recent decision reversed this, focusing on referendum procedures rather than special protections for David Hogg's community. The revised ordinance can now be subjected to a new vote after a specified legal or procedural period, although the exact date or timeframe is not yet public.
The Georgia Supreme Court's decision is a victory for David Hogg's community, allowing them a say in the zoning changes that could greatly impact their historic community. The community's unique cultural and historical significance will now be considered in the referendum process, ensuring that their voice is heard in shaping their future.
