Other Lake Lanier Issues

Over the years, the Lake Lanier Association has proven itself to be a strong advocate for responsible development and enlightened planning and a successful opponent of pollution. Most recently, the Lake Lanier Association has been asked to comment on the leasing of Corps parks around Lake Lanier.

The Lake Lanier Association has been involved in the following actions to promote and safeguard responsible use of the lake:

Special Use Application for Truck Depot Denied

In 2000, the Lake Lanier Association spoke out against a proposed truck depot on Blackberry Lane in South Hall County. Over 250 residents of Blackberry Lane in South Hall County were jubilant on January 2nd, 2000 when the Buford City Commission on a 2-0 vote denied a special use permit for AAA Cooper Trucking Company to construct and operate a 100 bay terminal in their neighborhood.

The subject Hall County property was annexed into the City of Buford in the mid- 80’s and was subsequently zoned industrial. Blackberry Lane is a one-mile residential street running from Mc Ever Road to Big Creek on Lake Lanier. The special use permit was opposed by the Lake Lanier Association because the location is in close proximity to Lake Lanier and because Big Creek is the most endangered of all Hall County unincorporated streams flowing into Lake Lanier. This is an example of residents without representation when cities annex property across county lines.

Metropolitan North Georgia Water District (SB 130) Amended

In 2001, the Lake Lanier Association worked with local legislators on amending Senate Bill 130 which formed the North Georgia Metropolitan Water District.

Governor Barnes has signed Senate Bill 130 in 2001.  The LLA with cooperation of our local legislative representatives amended SB 130, the “North Georgia Metropolitan Water District” to give a “watershed” approach to the management of Lake Lanier. The concern of LLA was that the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) was addressing two issues. One was to find a suitable depository for sewage; the other is to fuel the growth of the Atlanta Metro area by providing an adequate water supply. The ARC is looking to Lake Lanier to fulfill their priorities.

The positive outcome of the legislation is that several advisory councils-including one for Lake Lanier- will be empanelled. The allotted 20 members will act in an advisory capacity to the governing board that is comprised of 29 members.

War Hill Park 2005

In 2005, the Lake Lanier Association comments on the proposed development of a marina at War Hill Park, and in 2006 it has issued a position statement regarding the lease of Corps parks.

After reviewing the many problems identified by Friends of War Hill Park associated with the proposal to convert War Hill Park to a marina, the Board of Directors of the Lake Lanier Association has reservations regarding implementation of the proposal.  It acknowledges that the Corps’ master plan for Lake Lanier includes a public marina facility in the Chestatee area. The board shares this group’s concerns on water quality and safety issues as expressed in their position paper.  We urge decision-makers at all levels to conduct environmental studies addressing water quality before proceeding with this marina proposal.

Park Leasing Position Statement