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The ongoing debate about the crypto mining facility on Harshaw Road in Murphy is a perfect example of a cultural clash of sorts that has been simmering just below Cherokee County’s surface for some time.
On one side are those who believe personal property rights – otherwise known as the right to do what you want with your land – are sacred. Any encroachment on this right is looked upon with the kind of disdain usually reserved for blasphemy and unsweet tea.
On the other side are those who also appreciate personal property rights, but at the same time want to protect their investments by not having something move in next door that would lower their property values. Just as importantly, they are concerned about losing their quality of life.
One woman who spoke at the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 6 perfectly captured the conundrum. After speaking passionately on how the lack of regulations in Cherokee County is one of the reasons why she moved here, a moment later she said regulations were needed on the crypto mining facility because of excessive noise.
You can’t blame her for wanting it both ways. That’s why a good many of the subdivisions that dot the county have deed restrictions, as those homeowners prefer having some type of guarantee on the future of their surroundings.
Several residents at that meeting appeared surprised to learn about the complete absence of zoning ordinances in Cherokee County outside of Andrews, Murphy or Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians land. And no one who has been voted into office over the last two decades has made any attempt to change that – especially if they want to keep their position.
While a solid comprehensive plan could help solve problems before they start by establishing reasonable ground rules for everyone to follow, past volumes are collecting dust on a shelf somewhere. In the 2010 commissioners race, candidates Curtis Brown, Lawrence McNabb and Cal Stiles talked about the need for long-term planning to help the county grow in a more positive direction – and none of them were elected.
The record shows that much of what those candidates discussed in that campaign has since come to pass. Stiles was elected commissioner two years later and did support adopting a comprehensive plan, but he was alone in that endeavor.
Instead, the commissioners have proposed to address residents’ concerns with a new noise ordinance, with a public hearing set Tuesday night. While so far reviews are mixed on the ordinance, which you can read on the county’s website, commissioners are doing the right thing by trying to come up with one that is both enforceable and fair.
The question remains: Is it enough?
This is not the only such issue raising its head countywide, as where cell phone towers are located is another big concern for many residents. Others are disturbed about “light pollution” from nearby businesses. And loud animals will continue to elicit questions for political debates as long as there are dogs to bark.
My view is simple – regulations are not bad, bad regulations are bad. For example, imagine driving down the four-lane highway with the other vehicles lacking proper lights, and without stop signs and speed limits to corral traffic. If you think drivers are bad today, just wait until your daily commute in that world.
While a lack of regulations can lead to anarchy, pollution and worse, overly burdensome regulations are a roadblock to the economy and lead to higher prices. That’s why it’s important to elect leaders with the wisdom to walk that fine line.
Taking someone to court is often mentioned as an alternative to regulations, but not everybody has the resources to sue their neighbor if they do something that affects them in a negative way. Besides, we should want to keep neighbors out of the courtroom, not encourage them to go to legal war.
A new noise ordinance may or may not be adopted after next week’s hearing, but the overriding issue will continue to be debated into this year’s elections.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. You can reach him at 837-5122 or dbrown@cherokeescout.com.