Big Box Vote

Several people asked me to explain why I voted no on Big Box application. There were many factors but foremost is The P&Z Mission Statement: “The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&ZC) is responsible for the physical, social and economic planning and coordinated development of the Town.” It clearly spells out our role.

I heard a majority of speakers at the Public Hearings who were strongly opposed to this retail use on industrial land.  I wondered if it's time to coordinate development by considering rezoning the land.  I found it unsettling that the name of the retailer was kept secret. It hindered the Commission’s ability to evaluate the overall impact on rural character of Monroe, property values and emergency providers. Not knowing whether tax abatement was part of the deal or projected tax revenue to the town, we could not determine the net economic benefit.

The purpose of the P&Z Regulations “is to direct development in the town of Monroe consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD); to provide for the best use of land in the Town, to conserve and stabilize the value of property; to promote the health, safety and general welfare of its people and the general public; to protect the social and economic stability of all areas of the Town.” It states “land use issues focus on the need to preserve the high quality of life enjoyed by its residents by guiding a limited amount of new development… and enhancing the design aesthetics along its major corridors.”

The POCD recommendations get implemented through zoning laws, other land use regulation tools, capital expenditures and on-going planning. The work does not end once the POCD process is completed and adopted. It is P&Z’s obligation to do their share of the hard work.

Cathy Lindstrom

P&Z Alternate