LETTER: Without Zoning, Cannon County Will Become A Dump

Comment   Email   Print
Related Articles
Your coverage of the proposed new quarry has given us all a harsh wake-up call. The sudden appearance of two new quarries illustrates our problem. We must put adequate zoning laws in place ASAP.

According to the expert our commissioners consulted the zoning process will require at least a full year.  Although a committee has been appointed to study zoning requirements necessary to protect our rural lifestyle, I believe our county has a serious shortage of resources necessary to solve this problem.

Fortunately, there are a significant number of rural counties with applicable zoning laws which can be used as our starting point. However, our commissioners have other competing priorities and a limited amount of time to spend on any problem.

As voters we should continue to remind our commissioners that protecting our rural lifestyle is a very high priority. If we fail to implement proper zoning Cannon County will become a dump to be conveniently used and abused by outsiders who then leave us with a mess.

We all have a stake in protecting our home. I'm sure some of us would be willing to donate time and effort to assist the commissioners if asked.  

Our goal must be to identify and implement effective zoning laws within coming year.

John Hackett
Locke Creek Road
Readyville
Read more from:
CANNON COMMUNITY
Tags: 
None
Share: 
Comment   Email   Print
Members Opinions:
[Delete]
December 18, 2011 at 6:30am
Mr. Hackett you are absolutely correct in your letter.

Despite the belief that zoning laws only force people to build a house a certain way or prevent you from erecting an outbuilding on your property, there are many more things zoning laws do for a community such as help prevent things like this new rock quarry.

I have made the point personally to Commissioners and publically on this and other websites over the last few years that zoning laws were needed in Cannon County and I was beat to death by people in the community and told by Commissioners that "we don't want laws in our community that tell us how to build something on our own property".

Well, that mindset works both ways. No zoning laws means we can't tell anyone what they can build on their property either such as this new rock quarry. Now the chickens have come home to roost and suddenly eyes are wide open.

It was my understanding we lost a sizable grant within the last two years to help fund the removal of the window air conditioners and help restore the inside of the courthouse due to basically the same reason I was told why we didn't want zoning laws.

For far too long we have been governed with the idea that we live in the moment. I hope that the time has come where people are beginning to understand that the idea of planning for the future of Cannon County is not something that can be delayed any longer.
[Delete]
December 20, 2011 at 9:14am
Amen. If we do not get decent zoning laws we are done.Wait till someone starts putting adult businessess around the square. That'll be a humdinger won't it.
[Delete]
December 21, 2011 at 9:10pm
The issue of zoning came before the county commission during the 1980's. At that time it was possible for counties to collect an impact fee when adversely affected by an increasing population or population growth brought about by spill over from neighboring counties. We were told then we must have zoning in place before we could be eligible to collect such impact fees. The zoning issue was brought before the county commission at that time only to be shot down (trampled) by those with the same attitude of not wanting to be told what they could and could not do on their own property. The interest of the commission was not what was best for the county but what was best for the commissioners!
I agree with Mr. Hackett. Unless Cannon County adopts a zoning policy then Cannon County could well become a dump. Vigilant minds like Mr. Hackett have saved us from such a disaster more than once before. Such voices need to be heard and heeded. Thank you Mr. Hackett for placing your concerns before the public. We all benefit from the beauty found in our county. To continue this benefit, we must protect it. If we, as citizens don't fight to protect it, then who else will?
Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: