Editor, Times-Union:
I appreciate the Area Plan Commission’s (APC) unanimous vote against the spot zoning of farmland to heavy industrial. Thank you! The APC followed the Comprehensive Plan and realized the best use of 330 LESA rated farmland was to continue its sustainable, renewable work … to feed people.
However, the work to save farmland is not over. Our commissioners have the final vote. They can accept, deny, or table the APC recommendation.
Please contact our commissioners. Remind them of the importance of the Comprehensive Plan. It is their guide and reference in every current and future proposal.
The Plan states:
• It is “Intended to represent all of us and will be our tool to build a better future together.”
• It is “a detailed guide for our county and local leaders to reference when making decisions about growth and development.”
• It (was an opportunity) to think through specific & unique needs that directly relate to the residents
• “It must be implemented on a daily basis by elected officials, commission members, …”
The Plan’s Goals are to:
• “Ensure the safety, wellness, & success of (all) our local residents …”
• “Provide for balanced, planned & orderly growth”, and
• “Manage local resources”
The Plan’s Objectives & Priorities are to:
• “Preserve our productive agricultural land. Kosciusko County’s strong history is rooted in its agricultural heritage, identity, and economic opportunity. The Future Land Use Map strengthens the agricultural industry by delineating clear growth areas …”
Obviously, this important, detailed guide provides clear boundaries for agricultural land use. The Plan is so valued, it is also thoroughly embedded in our county’s Ordinances. For example:
• Article 2. Section 2.6 states: “the purpose is to ‘protect prime agricultural land related uses from urban growth … that is not compatible (with the surrounding area).’” That is a familiar statement … protecting agricultural land.
• Article 3. Section 3.27 “The intent of this Article is to further the goals of the … Comprehensive Plan.”
• Again, Article 3, under Site Development Plans & Technical Review Committee, the ordinance states 1. “The Committee shall consider whether or not the proposed Site Development Plan is consistent with the goals and objects of the Comprehensive Plan.”
You may not feel this matter concerns you. If spot zoning is used in this circumstance, it can be used no matter where you live. It is a powerful tool.
The APC did their job. They gave due diligence to the rezoning request. They understood the best use of the land and they followed the guide that was written.
Commissioners, the answers to your questions are in the Plan. Stand behind it. Don’t turn you back on our agricultural heritage. Follow the recommendation of the APC. Vote against the ‘spot zoning’ request.
Sign the online petition. Enter https://www.change.org/KeepLeesburgRural in your browser. Click the link, complete the form, & hit “submit.”
Contact our Commissioners.
The Area Plan Commission meets at the Court House at 9 a.m. on April 22nd. Join us in a peaceful, respectful display of support for small towns, rural living, and prime farmland.
Bruce Lamb
Milford, via email