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CITIZENS TO PRESERVE MORGAN COUNTY, INC.
A Non-Profit Organization

We are a 'grass-roots' group of citizens dedicated to Preserving our Historical Heritage, Protecting our Agricultural Strengths and Quality of Life in
Morgan County, Georgia.

PETITION:

Make your resistance known by joining the list of citizens who oppose the landfill. You must be a Morgan County registered voter and a property owner.

TOPICS TO READ:

NEW - CURRENT STORY
01/13/10 WEDNESDAY
EPA VIOLATION: ADVANCED DISPOSAL USES A GIANT AIR-WICK TO CONTROL ODOR

12/06/09 MONDAY
EPA VIOLATION: ADVANCED DISPOSAL RECEIVES VIOLATION AT THEIR NEW C&D CARUTHERS MILL LANDFILL FOR ODOR
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12/14/09 MONDAY
U.S. SUPREME COURT DENIES HEARING PLAINTIFF IN MURRAY COUNTY LANDFILL CASE DEFERRING TO COUNTIES WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
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12/10/09 THURSDAY
ADDED LANDFILL TIME-LINE AND ADDITIONAL O.C.G.A. INFORMATION FOR CLARITY
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12/08/09 TUESDAY
ADDED COUNTY RECYCLING INITIATIVES AND TRASH LOCATIONS
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11/17/09 TUESDAY
STATEMENT ADDRESSING LANDFILL FROM CITY COUNCIL REP. MR. HUNT AT COMMISSION WORK SESSION

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11/16/09 MONDAY
AUDIO MESSAGE SENT TO OVER 4000 VOTING HOUSEHOLDS ASKING FOR MORATORIUM
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11/13/09 FRIDAY
REQUEST TO BE ON WORK AGENDA DENIED BY COMMISSIONERS
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11/11/09 WEDNESDAY
HAND DELIVERED MORATORIUM REQUEST TO COMMISSIONERS
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10/29/09 THURSDAY
WEBSITE CREATED
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09/14/09 MONDAY
COMMISSIONER WARREN HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING WHERE THE BANKS LANDFILL PROPOSAL WAS PUBLICIZED

Our group is made up of long-time residents, property owners, and concerned parents. We believe that, as a community we need to make decisions that benefit our community as well as the entire county. In keeping with this belief, we feel obligated to strongly oppose the recent proposal of a Municipal Solid Waste landfill in Madison.

We understand that Landfills are a current necessity. However our county's Solid Waste Management Plan, along with the zoning and land use definitions, have left us vulnerable to landfill developers. The county is under attack and will continue to be targeted by landfill developers until our Solid Waste Management Plan and Zoning are updated to provide adequate restrictions on landfill locations and appropriate variances. Our Commission Board needs to update our rules and regulations as they pertain to waste in order to preserve our historic heritage during economic and industrial growth.

The current landfill proposal isn't just a local problem, it is a county wide problem for Apalachee, Bostwick, Buckhead, Godfrey, Madison, and Rutledge. The city of Madison's quality of living is currently under attack. Business and residents near a landfill can expect to see their property value drop, a decrease in trade and tourism, and excess heavy truck traffic congestion.

In addition a landfill in Morgan County will take more from our rural character than we can afford while providing less hunting for future generations, with the potential to expand into surrounding properties.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO SHOW OUR LOCAL, REGIONAL AND STATE OFFICIALS THAT A LANDFILL IS NOT IN THE COUNTY'S BEST INTEREST.

LANDFILLS: We all produce waste and will continue to produce some level of waste. Safe, environmentally protective disposal facilities will be needed regardless of how much waste can be reduced or recycled. A successful landfill depends upon the strict regulations and environmental guidelines provided, flawless construction and implementation, awareness of contamination and efficient solutions, fair competition with wind energy, public awareness of risks involved, and ideal locations, only then will it bring benefits to the county in which it presides.
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QUALITY OF LIVING: The Commissioners have worked hard to preserve and restore the Historical Heritage of our community. This landfill will bring undesirable industrial development to the county making a sustainable quality of life harder and harder to manage.

Significant documented literature records reductions in property value where toxic, chemcial and in some cases solid waste landfills exists. There is also emerging literature on stigma-related damage, which can be defined as a loss in value due to the increased risk associated with a contaminated property even after the problem has been eliminated. This research extends the empirical literature on landfills by examining the impact that solid waste landfills have on surrounding industrial property. The results indicate that the value of industrial land around an open, solid waste landfill is reduced by the presence of the landfill. Property around closed, solid waste landfills and open and closed refuse landfills is not adversely affected by the landfills. These results are not affected by the presence or absence of methane gas controls and ground water monitoring systems. Landfills sold with industrial zoning are discounted substantially by the market for various reasons, probably including limited alternative future uses, costs of remediation and potential liability from being in the chain of title. * "Sanitary Landfills, Stigma and Industrial Land Values," Journal of Real Estate Research, American Real Estate Society, vol. 10(5), pages 531-542.

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PROPERTY VALUES: It is a fact that a negative publicity and a tainted piece of property in close proximity to a landfill will have a decrease in value. So don't be fooled when you hear waste management CEO's, such as Mr. Bruce Parker with National Solid Waste Management, say "There are many examples of expensive residential developments located directly across from or in close proximity to a landfill. Landfill benefits that contribute to healthy property values include host community fees, tax revenues, job creation, reliable solid waste disposal services, energy from landfill gas, infrastructure and civic improvements." [15 jobs for certified landfill operators according to O.C.G.A]

Compare a study performed by the American Real Estate Society to determine the impact of five municipal landfills on residential property values in a major metropolitan area. The study concluded that landfills will likely have an adverse impact upon housing values when the landfill is located within several blocks of an expensive housing area. * "The Impact of Landfills on Residential Property Values, " Journal of Real Estate Research, vol. 7(3), pages 297-314.

And you must consider the negative impact of landfill stigma that has been provide to impact the resale value of your property for as long as 25 years. That is the life spam of most landfills just before any contamination issues are encountered. Then you have the longevity of waiting for the land to heal. This includes dealing with the controversial situation your appraiser will have when identify the facts regarding the proposed improvements of your property and the location.

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TRADE & TOURISM: Madison has the largest designated historic district in Georgia which encompasses most of the town. Madison has successfully blended old and new with the overall keeping of southern tradition. The restoration and historic presence brings tourists, newcomers, and residents together in a "unique, unspoiled atmosphere". The historic Tour of Homes is one example of how the city's dedication to historic preservation pays off. I'm not sure how the city council will be able to fit a municipal solid waste landfill into the overall landscape without damaging the current trade and tourism of our historic community.
Click here to read the county's history profile.

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"The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us!"
"God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage."

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