Bryan County, the fastest-growing county in Georgia following the arrival of Hyundai Motor's (005380.KS) Metaplant, is grappling with "development fatigue." Residents are increasingly calling for a slowdown in the pace of growth.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) on Tuesday, the rapid development triggered by the Hyundai plant has fueled a growing sentiment across the community that "we can no longer cope."
In one example, residents flocked to a Bryan County Development Authority meeting in February. Some took time off work to attend the event and voice their opinions. They came to oppose a local government plan to build a nickel refining facility on a vacant manufacturing site. Residents have reportedly been turning up at local government meetings in recent weeks, raising objections to development proposals ranging from airports and gas stations to convenience facilities.
Located in eastern Georgia, Bryan County was once an agriculture-centered region. But it has rapidly transformed into a manufacturing and logistics hub following the completion of Hyundai's Metaplant last year. Since 2010, its population has grown by more than 70%, the highest growth rate in Georgia. The current population stands at about 35,000. Industrial parks, logistics centers, and new housing developments are springing up across the Richmond Hill and Pembroke areas.
While the Hyundai plant has injected vitality into the local economy, it has also left side effects, analysts say. Hyundai built the plant on roughly 3,000 acres, and about 8,500 workers are expected to be employed there by 2030. At the same time, traffic congestion and strain on water and sewage systems are rapidly mounting. Local authorities are concerned about long-term water supply and wastewater treatment issues.
Local politicians are also mindful of public sentiment. The Bryan County Commission last year withheld part of its funding for the development authority, amid growing resident complaints about surging property taxes and inadequate infrastructure, including transportation and water systems.
Still, local leaders have stopped short of calling for a halt to development. "We are now at a point where selective and cautious development is needed rather than unconditional growth," Bryan County Commission Chairman Carter Infinger said.
