Murray Requests Moratorium On New Development

Brookhaven mayoral candidate Sandy Murray sent a letter to the DeKalb County Commission on Friday, asking the county to place a short-term moratorium on permits and rezonings until the new city is up and running.

“My concern is that a small number of businesses may try to take advantage of the city’s startup and the transition process from DeKalb County to the city of Brookhaven," Murray told Patch.

Murray faces J. Max Davis next Tuesday in a runoff to become Brookhaven's first mayor.

Her request for a moratorium includes applications for all new permits, re-zonings, variances, SLUPs, and other approvals under Community Development Department purview that may affect the new city.

Brookhaven begins formal operations as a new city on Dec. 17, 2012.

In her letter, Murray said she believes “our new city needs time to get our city’s planning, zoning and community development set up and operational before any new developments begin.”

Murray said she was especially concerned about “enterprising businesses” that may try to build new billboards or open adult establishments in Brookhaven during the transition.

Murray was not specific when asked if she knew about any such businesses trying to move into the city, but said in an email, "I have worked to oppose the electronic billboard on Peachtree in the past and I'm aware of other billboard sites that require our vigilance."

"I have reached out to several of the commissioners and expressed my concern about the potential for new billboards to be put up or adult establishments to open without citizen input," she said.

"I am confident that the commissioners will listen to us and take the appropriate actions as we have requested."

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