Macon-Bibb residents asked to weigh in on housing needs, affordability

Officials say the results could shape zoning and policy changes in Macon-Bibb County.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Over the past few years, the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission has been flooded with new development requests.

As the demand for housing grows, the commission wants to re-evaluate current housing conditions to better plan for the future of Macon over the next 25 years.

“If you’re not growing, you’re actually declining,” said Jeffrey Ruggieri, executive director for the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission. “We’ve seen what decline does in Macon-Bibb, and that’s not something that we’re interested in repeating.”

To better understand the housing needs and affordability for residents, the commission is conducting a comprehensive study. A key component of this study is a survey residents are filling out, focusing on two factors: whether the current housing options in Macon meet community needs and the level of housing affordability.

“Macon is [in] a small county,” he said. “We don’t have much land left as a greenfield to develop. So really half of this study is really looking at how do we grow on properties that haven’t been developed yet. But we also are really looking at taking a deep dive into redevelopment where communities really need help and redeveloping, reinvesting in the community, fixing up old housing.”

Historically, Macon has featured single-family homes on large lots; however, in the last decade, this trend has started to shift.

“Developers are now interested in creating smaller lots and homes, diversifying the types of subdivisions,” Ruggieri said. “A lot of developers are coming in and asking for smaller lots and smaller homes, different types of subdivisions. So it looks like, you know, we’re moving in that direction and I just wanted to make sure that we were making the right decisions for the community as we grow.”

By the end of the study, Ruggieri indicated potential changes to zoning districts and policy recommendations based on the findings.

“We want to make sure that we capture all information from all sections of the community,” said Gregory L. Brown, planning director for the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission. “So, if you live within the boundaries of Macon-Bibb County, we want to make sure that we hear from you. Be honest, share any information that you would like for us to know.”

Community members are encouraged to participate in the confidential survey, which takes about ten minutes to complete. The deadline for completion is Monday, August 18.