from the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta News
by Steve Burns
Security cameras will be allowed on private docks at Lake Lanier, the Army Corps of Engineers announced Friday.
“We asked, and you responded regarding the prohibition on security cameras on private docks at Lake Lanier,” the corps, which owns and manages the lake, said in a Facebook post.
Interested parties voted 257 for, seven opposed and five neutral during a 30-day comment period that ended June 16.
“As a result, Lake Sidney Lanier and the Mobile District have removed security cameras from the list of items prohibited on permitted private floating facilities at Lake Lanier,” the announcement read.
We asked, and you responded regarding the prohibition on security cameras on private docks at Lake Lanier. By a response margin of 257 to 7, you wished to have the Corps remove restrictions on security cameras.
As a result, Lake Sidney Lanier and the Mobile District have removed security cameras from the list of items prohibited on permitted private floating facilities at Lake Lanier. Please read the following press release from Mobile District for the full report.
The new policy affects the 10,615 private docks at the lake, corps spokesman Tim Rainey told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It does not apply to public land at the lake.
There currently is no more land available for private docks, Rainey said. “I do not foresee that changing anytime soon.”
The Lake Lanier Association, which represents homeowners and businesses, wanted the ban to end, according to its Facebook page.
“The Corps of Engineers has stated that the policy was based out of concern for individual privacy while recreating on public land,” according to a Facebook post May 15. “We feel that, given the great majority of persons recreating on the lake in possession of a mobile device with photo and video capabilities, that concern is no longer applicable. We also feel that cameras would benefit public safety and be an aide to protecting personal property.”
Rainey said the push to change the policy came from U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, whose district includes Lake Lanier.
“We replied that we would review our policy,” Rainey said.