I would like to voice my support, for the adoption of the Amended 2009 Zoning Ordinance,(otherwise known as the 2016 Zoning Ordinance).
The adoption of the 2015 ordinance, with its up zoning of properties large and small, high density residential zoning, and dissolution of previously protected vested rights of property owners, sets a dangerous precedent, paving the way for future unbridled, arbitrary, incongruous,and inconsistent up zoning, without input from property owners,adjacent property owners, and other citizens who would be adversely impacted.
2015 zoning is inconsistent with our comprehensive plan. Its enactment threatens open space,overtaxes our aquifer, encourages degradation of surface waters, threatens native species, does not provide adequate setbacks and other zoning protections as they relate to CAFOs, and supports waterfront densities that are not compatible with our burgeoning aquaculture and ecotourism industries, responsible environmental stewardship, and a rural family friendly quality
of life.
Are you wondering how I can make these theoretical leaps? These issues are not theoretical, as I have seen the results of the encroachment of development first hand. Property adjacent to mine, that at one time was a beautiful old growth woodland, was subdivided in 1991. Human activity directly resulting from that development was responsible for at least two threatened plant species that were once abundant there, to disappear! Mitchella repens(partridge berry)
and Monotropa uniflora(Indian pipe) along with several species of fern, can no longer be found on my property or in the adjacent subdivision. We are about to start our aquaculture operations, on creek bottom adjoining our Ag zoned property. Will we see ourselves unable to work our oysters from our own dock and property, as has happened on the western shore and on the Lynnhaven River in VA Beach because of complaints and demands from adjacent densely zoned
residential properties? We do not permit hunting on our properties, however many allow others, with proper permission, to hunt their lands. Will you lose that privilege because the folks in all of those densely zoned residential properties don’t like you shooting next door and demand that”something be done”?
Adoption of the 2016 (revised and improved 2009)zoning would place us back on track, and allow the county to get back to the business of growing our economy through responsible, sustainable, well planned growth and development, while protecting what makes Northampton County the jewel in Virginia’s crown.
I would like to remind those who are convinced, that our only way to employment, opportunity and prosperity is to carve us up into little pieces and become a disjointed patchwork of postage stamp waterfront lots, wall to wall strip malls etc., that those who once inhabited Hilton Head,Martha’s Vineyard and other pieces of rural waterfront paradise, can no longer afford to live in the lands of their forefathers.
Is this what we want for Northampton County?
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