www.cottageville.net

MAYOR’s Note
July 7, 2009:

We had the Public Hearing for Zoning on June 29^th.  I want to thank the citizens for their concern and attendance.  Zoning has been a very time-consuming effort for those involved.  I think zoning is looked on as one of the biggest negatives for the town.  Zoning does give power to the town, but along with this power it also gives the town the ability to protect its land and home-owners.  I’m sure that your home is one of the most important things to you, and I don’t think anyone wants an eye-sore next to them.  You wouldn’t want something put next to you that is going to negatively affect your property value.  A developer at this time has the power to do whatever they choose to do.  Our old ordinance will not hold up under legal review.  This is not a scare tactic, it’s the truth.  We have tried to change some of the most objectionable things in this ordinance.  The planning commission has asked for input at every planning and town council meeting.  I have asked for input and asked for concerns to be written down at the meetings and workshops.

One of the big items is home-based business.  We are not trying to prevent any home-based business, we encourage it.  I started my business in my back-yard.  We, as the town, receive revenue from it in business license fees and local option sales tax.

A new draft copy will be made available for review.  This will be available this week at town hall.  There are a lot of “un-controlled” copies floating around town without all the changes in it.  Please make sure you view one from the town office, because this will be the most up-to-date draft.

The latest changes made are;

1)       The zoning map – We tightened up the commercial lines and removed the downtown commercial area, and removed proposed annexation.  There is no proposed annexation at this time because we do not have services to offer.

2)      Changes to the requirements concerning a home-based business in a residential area.

3)      Definitions have been added for Grandfather and Non-conforming use.

4)      There have been changes made for notification of a violation.

We want this to be a workable ordinance for all.  It should be something that improves our town and our property value.  Some people are attracted to an area with no zoning.  Some are attracted to areas with no zoning ordinances for the right reasons and they want to be a good neighbor, and some are attracted for the wrong reasons.

I was one of the original members who worked on the first Zoning ordinance.  It was hard then, as it is now.  I hope that all the citizens will understand this.  If you are concerned about a section, please call your councilmen or myself.  My number is 835-2745.  I will address your concerns.

At this time I realize the economy is bad.  There is not a family that hasn’t been affected in some way.  I have been approached by several developers who are waiting to proceed once the economy allows it.  This is encouraging news.  One of the items that they ask for is a copy of our Zoning ordinance.  I want to be able to get this ordinance in place before they get started.  Jobs in our town are something everyone can support, but we still have to protect our town.

In closing, please review this document.  We are folks just like you that want to do the right thing for our citizens and our town.

Thank you all.
George M. White
Mayor of Cottageville