Development standards stricken from agenda

With the room of Oconeeans primed to speak in opposition, a controversial amendment to the county’s development standards was removed from last night’s agenda of the Oconee County Council.  But it did not stop individual property rights advocates from speaking their peace, as part of last night’s public comment period.  One of those to stand at the lectern was Matthew Durham, the suspended councilman. Turning his back on his seated colleagues, Durham spoke mostly facing the audience. Like him, many in the audience viewed the proposed amendment to the county’s code of ordinances as an overreach that has the effect of pacifying those who lived in gated subdivisions at the expense of others. One of those sending the overreach message to the county fathers.  Durham contended that, in the end, the proposal did not have enough votes to pass last night as, he said, District Four’s Julian Davis had told him that he would not vote in favor of it. Later, during councilmen’s comments, Davis said while he favors lighting regulations countywide, he doesn’t support the proposal as it related to screening and buffering requirements.