August 22, 2017

Ever wonder why Milton is so different from the surrounding areas—think Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell and even Forsyth County—where builders are cramming homes onto every square inch of land?  The reason is simple . . . the vast majority of Milton does not have access to sewer.  Sewer exists only on the edges of Milton—i.e., in the Highway 9/Windward and the Crabapple areas.  In the interior of Milton, where sewer does not exist, each home has a septic system to clean its wastewater.  In Milton, such septic systems require 1) at least an acre of land and 2) soils that can adequately filter wastewater—i.e., land that “percs”, shorthand for “percolates.”  This second point is important, as some land in Milton does not “perc”—i.e., it is unsuitable for septic.  This requires lots even larger than an acre—sometimes a lot larger–that encompass soils suitable for filtering a home’s wastewater.  The lack of sewer is what makes Milton . . . Milton—that is, low density and more rural in its look and feel.

Unfortunately, assisted by some members of Council, sewer has been allowed to slowly “creep” further into Milton.  And any time sewer is allowed to creep, higher density follows in its shadow.  Higher density and sewer have an inextricable, ying-and-yang relationship.  And the ill effects of this higher density are congested roads, overcrowded schools, and diminished property values.  There are many concrete examples of this nexus of sewer creep and higher density.

Like what you see across from Cambridge High School?  That eyesore townhouse development is an example of sewer creep/high density . . . the builder was gifted 3 times more density than the existing zoning allowed.  Yesterday, I blogged about the Ebenezer rezoning, where a developer and some Council members advocated for a private (i.e., HOA maintained and operated) sewer system that would have resulted in much higher density on the subject 65 acres.  The soils on much of the Ebenezer parcel were unsuitable for septic . . . and that is why a private sewer system was needed.  Thankfully, after a long battle, the Ebenezer rezoning was denied by Council.  And now, with Ebenezer, we have a concrete case study that clearly demonstrates the existential threat to Milton of so-called “conservation” subdivisions, which are really just schemes for extending sewer and achieving higher density housing.

So why are ordinary citizens constantly fighting against sewer creep in Milton?  The reason is that developers hate septic and conversely love sewer.  Sewer Creep = Higher Density = Higher Developer Profits.  It is that simple.  And unfortunately, developers have a lot of power in our City.  They have time, money, expertise, highly paid attorneys, and connections.  Through liberal campaign contributions, lobbying, manipulation of zoning loopholes, and other unsavory tactics, developers are often able to buy/finagle/coerce their way to sewer extension and higher density.  This sewer creep has now been allowed by our City Council 4 times in the past 4 years—this, despite past pledges from every Council Member not to extend sewer.  This constant and never-ending battle against sewer creep requires ongoing vigilance and engagement from citizens to protect our beautiful community.

Tim Becker