Post by Todd B on Oct 3, 2006 13:01:25 GMT -5
Article published Oct 3, 2006
Zoning proposal in Ida Township causes concern
www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061003/NEWS01/110030008
Some Ida-area residents and county planners say they fear a proposed change in Ida Township's zoning law will open the doors to widespread residential development and loss of the township's rural character.
The proposal to meld two existing agricultural zoning classifications into a single uniform zoning category that allows more land splits than now permissible is an item on the agenda for the township's regular meeting at 7:30 tonight.
In recent months, the concept has drawn questions from residents, the county planning staff and the township's attorney.
The township planning commission endorsed the change, but Monroe County planners recommended that the proposal be rejected because it was contrary to the county's master plan and could chew up prime farmland.
The county planning department's analysis concluded that "the township would lose all control over what land that it wishes to retain as agricultural into the future."
"Allowing haphazard residential development in agricultural areas would not only result in a decrease of valuable farmland, but would also increase the traffic on unpaved roads as well as the conflict between residential and agricultural land uses," county planners said. "Increased spot residential development would also raise the potential cost of providing urban services such as water and sewer in the future."
Though the county planners advised against the change, the county planning commission recommended approval in a 4-3 vote.
Township Attorney Martin Kamprath and Bryan Powers, township planning consultant, did not return phone calls to The Evening News.
A group of townships residents canvassed the township Saturday, passing out a flier concerning the rezoning, according to Larry Feldpausch, one of the residents.
He said he believes many residents will be attending tonight's meeting to learn more specifics about the proposal.
"We know there's going to be development. We just want to make sure it's well-planned," Mr. Feldpausch said.
Zoning proposal in Ida Township causes concern
www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061003/NEWS01/110030008
Some Ida-area residents and county planners say they fear a proposed change in Ida Township's zoning law will open the doors to widespread residential development and loss of the township's rural character.
The proposal to meld two existing agricultural zoning classifications into a single uniform zoning category that allows more land splits than now permissible is an item on the agenda for the township's regular meeting at 7:30 tonight.
In recent months, the concept has drawn questions from residents, the county planning staff and the township's attorney.
The township planning commission endorsed the change, but Monroe County planners recommended that the proposal be rejected because it was contrary to the county's master plan and could chew up prime farmland.
The county planning department's analysis concluded that "the township would lose all control over what land that it wishes to retain as agricultural into the future."
"Allowing haphazard residential development in agricultural areas would not only result in a decrease of valuable farmland, but would also increase the traffic on unpaved roads as well as the conflict between residential and agricultural land uses," county planners said. "Increased spot residential development would also raise the potential cost of providing urban services such as water and sewer in the future."
Though the county planners advised against the change, the county planning commission recommended approval in a 4-3 vote.
Township Attorney Martin Kamprath and Bryan Powers, township planning consultant, did not return phone calls to The Evening News.
A group of townships residents canvassed the township Saturday, passing out a flier concerning the rezoning, according to Larry Feldpausch, one of the residents.
He said he believes many residents will be attending tonight's meeting to learn more specifics about the proposal.
"We know there's going to be development. We just want to make sure it's well-planned," Mr. Feldpausch said.