Long County residents help map out future of the city

LUDOWICI, Ga. (WTOC) - “X” truly marked the spot for Long County residents Monday night.

Many gathered around paper maps, indicating the areas they want to preserve and the places they believe are ready for change — including opportunities for commercial, residential and agricultural growth.

Long County residents packed a stakeholder meeting in Ludowici to weigh in on how — and where — the community should grow.

“This is a collaboration between Long County residents and the government on what we want to see in Long County,” said resident Scott Lambert.

Long County Manager Shane Richardson said the meeting is part of the county’s work tied to the 2024 comprehensive plan, which guides land use decisions across the county.

“This is just one step towards smart planning for the future on land use,” Richardson said.

Richardson said disagreements are common, pointing to conflicts that can arise when a developer wants to build homes in an area where farming families have lived for generations.

Long County Development Authority Director Brad Day said planning conversations like Monday night’s are important for the county’s tax base.

“Events like this are important that we have a balanced tax base,” Day said. “If we have all residents, then just the residents pay the taxes. If we have business, commercial, and industrial development then taxes are paid by businesses and residents don’t have to pay as much.”

But not everyone left the meeting satisfied.

Long County resident Jeffrey Laymon said he worries the process can turn into people protecting their own areas instead of considering the county as a whole.

“I think some of the interest is self-centered in some way, everyone kind of protects their own area that they live in,” Laymon said. “I think we lack the ability to overall picture we need an equal development in this county.”

Richardson emphasized the meeting was not a final plan, but a starting point to get residents and leaders talking about Long County’s future.

The county’s next — and final — public land use meeting is scheduled for April 9.