Lexington County building ban friends and foes are digging in their heels.

Neither side seems willing to concede the ban is good or bad for the county’s economic growth and personal wellbeing.

Despite a public hearing scheduled after the Chronicle went to press Tuesday:

• Some ban backers say they aren’t going to change their minds about massive subdivision’s negative impact to roads, schools and county emergency services.

They say property taxes don’t cover the costs of services for new home owners.

• Builders say home building stimulates jobs, tax revenues and other benefits.

They contend money for county services comes from more than property taxes.

Council members Debbie Summers has changed her vote to oppose the ban and Glen Conwell has changed his to support it.

Council member Scott Whetstone said earlier that the public hearing Tuesday evening was to hear what the public has to say. The council will only listen, not take part in the discussion.

But Whetstone and Beth Carrigg emailed builder Wade McGuinn that they aren’t confused about the issue and won’t change their vote for the ban.

To that McGuinn asked why have a public hearing if they aren’t willing to listen to the builders’ side?

McGuinn called on both to recuse themselves as biased in favor of the ban.

McGuinn said he has only a home building project involved in rural Swansea.

And he said he did not oppose a partial ban in the heavily congested Chapin and Lexington areas.

“I am against a blanket moratorium and the use of the pending ordinance doctrine for a non-emergency.

He was referring to a council procedure that allowed the ban to start after a single vote instead of 3 votes and a public hearing.

Builders say they fear a 3rd vote will not be held and the 6-month moratorium will last far longer.

“We have traffic problems that can be improved by planned growth,” McGuinn said. We can do a better job of offering off-street parking in high-density neighborhoods for safety.”

Highlights of the public hearing will appear on the Chronicle website www.LexingtonChronicle.com .