From correspondent Tammy Grubb

In a surprise move, the Chatham County Human Relations Commission resigned Monday night, telling the Chatham County commissioners it could no longer advocate effectively for better race relations and an end to discrimination.

“All [the group’s] achievements and our progress came to a halt on Jan. 3, 2011,” HRC Chairman Norman Clark said, referring to the commissioners’ decision to fire Esther Coleman, the former executive director of the county’s Human Relations Office.

Coleman was hired in 2007 – roughly seven years after the county established the HRC. January’s 3-2 decision to cut that post, which commissioners Mike Cross and Sally Kost opposed, was part of a plan to save $2 million in four years. Coleman made $80,000 a year.

From correspondent Tammy Grubb

A new Chatham County Board of Commissioners extended permits for stalled commercial and residential developments this week, reversing a November vote.

Monday’s 4-1 vote gives developers one more year to resume work on 25 subdivisions and 11 commercial projects.

New Chairman Brian Bock said another year could make a difference for some projects.

“What we’re trying to do is make it easier to do business in Chatham County, and I think the state has recognized the unique situation that some of these folks are in,” Bock said.

He and fellow Republicans, Pamela Stewart and Walter Petty, joined the five-member board Dec. 6. Commissioner Mike Cross, who voted against the extension in November, joined them Monday.