A homeowner's group plans to hold a march before the Board of Commissioners work session on Monday morning, from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., in front of Assembly Hall on Main Street.
The group, called Homeowners for Better Government, is marching against potential changes in the ordinance regulating in-home daycare facilities that would do away with a required public hearing.
Currently, an in-home daycare facility, which takes care of six or fewer children, is required to apply for a special use permit, which is treated like a re-zoning and requires a public hearing with the Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission. The permit costs $400 and the application process can take anywhere from 90 to 120 days.
An ordinance amendment has not been proposed before the board and is not on the agenda for Monday's work session, but spokesperson Julie Mills confirmed a potential amendment proposal was in the works.
Resident Don Meyer said he organized Homeowners for Better Government about two weeks ago in response to issues affecting home-owners, such as the potential in-home daycare facility ordinance changes, and other concerns he felt were not being addressed.
Meyer said "I have had an opportunity to speak one-on-one with the Chairman. I think I got a good education from him and why things are the way they are. However I do think it's going to require the homeowners and resients of Rockdale to follow the issue closely."
Home owners' group representatives also reportedly plan to speak at the BOC work session against the potential in-home daycare facility ordinance changes.
The Homeowners for Better Government is also organizing a public forum and informational meeting Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the J.P. Carr Center.
Meyer stressed the group was not affiliated with any political party and was working with members from a variety of political viewpoints. "The only thing I require is that they show the decorum and respect the speakers and elected officals they would show anyone else," he said.
For more information on the forum or group, email Meyer at DonSuperior@bellsouth.net or visit hofbg.rockdalenet.com
