It becomes clearer why Rep. Larry O'Neal was pushing the idea of private towns, complete with taxing authority and eminent domain rights.

Editorial from The Macon Telegraph:

We can say, that as governor, [Perdue] missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save part of the state's heritage. When developers have their way with one of the richest wildlife preserves in the Southeast, we will rue the day Perdue chose not to sign the letter of intent that could have saved the area without an initial investment by the state.

It also becomes clearer why one of the architects of Perdue's land dealings, Rep. Larry O'Neal, was pushing the idea of private towns, complete with taxing authority and eminent domain rights. Time will tell if that proposal resurfaces and Oaky Woods becomes the first private development of its kind.