Don't fall for Dalton recall's scare tactics

I have lived in Dalton Gardens for 33 years. My two children were raised here. I love the quality of life Dalton Gardens provides, large 1-acre lots plus a sense of community you don’t find everywhere.

I am writing this letter out of concern regarding the overreaction of a small group of people to the Streeter 5-acre development. I understand the recall group’s concern. They do not want new houses built on the empty lot next to them. I know I cringed when the acre next to me and behind me were developed. I liked the open space around me and was sorry to see it go.

The mayor and council tried to stop the Streeters from developing their 5-acre parcel, but the Streeters subdivided their property with the county before Dalton put in the regulation that each 1-acre lot must have 110 feet of road frontage. The Streeters have paid property tax on five individual 1-acre lots for 44 years. During litigation between the Streeters and the Dalton council, it became apparent that the Streeters had the law on their side. A compromise was mediated and the property is to be divided into four lots, all over an acre.

When the recall of the mayor and council came to my attention, I immediately felt uncomfortable with the statements being made by the recall group. I knew they were not true! The main scare tactic used was the Streeter development would force our community into installing a sewer system. Not true! I just installed a new septic tank and drain field last year, but before the system was installed, I went to Panhandle Health to make sure Dalton was not heading toward a sewer system. I was told by two officials at Panhandle Health that as long as Dalton stays with 1-acre lots, there is no sewer system in our future.

One thing to bear in mind with this recall is that there is no guarantee that a better group of council members would be installed. I understand the governor would appoint a new council. Is that really what our community wants?

I encourage our community to rally behind our mayor and council, talk to them, check out the website: DaltonGardensProperty

Rights.com

I believe you will find our mayor and council to be some of the finest people in our community!

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Cheryl Stransky is a resident of Dalton Gardens.