Residents speak their minds at re-zoning hearing

by Robin M. Woolson
Grand Island Dispatch, June 11, 2004

Nearly 100 Island residents turned out for the fifth re-zoning hearing held June 3 at Kaegebein Elementary School.

The residents were given the opportunity to speak about the proposed zoning changes that could be coming should the Grand Island Town Board adopt the new zoning plan.

About 25 people spoke to the board issuing comments regarding certain parcels of land that have come to the board for changes in zoning requests. There were also almost two dozen written comments entered into the record for those who could not attend the hearing.

Before the hearing began, Supervisor Peter McMahon set the stage informing those in attendance that if they had comments, they would be limited to three minutes so that everyone would have a chance to speak if they so desired.

He told the residents that the basic change with the rezoning was that the proposed code changed the letter designations. He said that the lot sizes would remain the same, but the letters would change.

Proposals

For residents in R1A, that zoning has been separated into two categories. Those who were in R1A and do not have sewers, under the proposed plan they would be designated as R1B. For those who have sewered lots, they would now be R1C. Residents who had their property in the R1B, would be designated as R1D, and those who had R1D, would be R1E, as these would be non-conforming lots.

"Whatever the characteristics were, they are the same now," McMahon said. "Only the letter designation has changed."

While the hearing was on town-wide rezoning, residents near three areas where there is proposed development spoke out about the projects. Those areas were Webb Road, Edgewater Avenue and Whitehaven and Harvey roads.

McMahon said the board anticipated comments about those projects.

Many residents were concerned that these anticipated projects could impact the property value of their homes and that the atmosphere they have grown to love would greatly change.

Several people spoke up and said that they were in favor of the adoption of the zoning code because it complies with the comprehensive master plan dating from 1995.

Safety Issues Raised

With regards to Webb Road, residents wanted the zoning to be left alone. They expressed concerns that the changes would affect the area, due to some of the proposals presented by developers, one of which includes a driving range. Many were worried that since the area is mostly single-family dwellings that the safety of the children could be in jeopardy.

Residents in the vicinity of Harvey Road wanted some consistency so they don't lose the character of their neighborhood and their property values wouldn't decrease

In the area around Edgewater, many of the speakers said they moved into the area because it was a quiet residential neighborhood and they were concerned that should the zoning become light industrial, it would have a deep negative impact on the lifestyle that has become familiar to the residents.

Several people pointed out that including businesses into the mix would ruin the atmosphere that many chose to raise their families. The majority of those in attendance expressed disfavor on any changes in this area.

Comment Period Closes

Opportunity for public comments on this issue closes today. Following that, board members will gather for a special workshop to review all the comments, written and public, on the rezoning to make a decision as to what the next step will be.

McMahon said that should the board go with less restrictions, there would not be another hearing. But if the board decides the code should have more restrictions, then there could be another hearing.

Many residents that night were grateful that the town board was looking at the rezoning issue with the mind of protecting property values as well as the neighborhoods.