Norman Castle Invades Atlanta Neighborhood As McMansion Moratorium Ends

In Buckhead, a 6,000 square foot Norman-style house dwarfs its 2,700 square foot neighbors, while the City Council's Zoning Committee defeats the moratorium on "McMansions".

1 minute read

May 11, 2006, 10:00 AM PDT

By maryereynolds


In Atlanta, loosely written zoning regulations allow large houses to be built on small lots. City Councilwoman Mary Norwood convinced Mayor Shirley Franklin to impose a moratorium on infill development in four Atlanta neighborhoods; however, the City Council's Zoning Committee defeated the measure. Norwood claims that super-sized houses destroy the ambiance of neighborhoods and can depress existing home values. According to her: "Some people say this isn't a crisis. I say this is a crisis."

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