FROM THE NEWSROOM: It has been five years since the Thompson Planning and Zoning Board has updated the zoning regulations for the town. At the last few meetings of the Planning and Zoning Sub-Committee, it was the only topic on the table. By changing the regulations, the goal of the Commission is to prevent a liability to the town and to update zoning rules to reflect the current climate in the town. Preservation of land after gravel operations have occurred saw significant discussion. Chairman Greg Lee says that not every contractor has followed the rules in the past, noting that some contractors have taken more gravel, loam, and sub-soil than allowed, without replacing it. By doing so, Lee says some lots have been left barren and unable to re-grow vegetation. Additionally, the final elevation levels need to be at least eight feet above the water table, but Lee says that there have been instances where too many resources have been removed, causing possible contamination to the water sources. By implementing a bond for each phase of a project, the Commission will be able to reclaim the land should a contractor back out in the middle of a project. Previously, contractors would submit one bond to the town and roll it over into each phase. Problems arose with contractors would who quit, or even go bankrupt, in the middle of a project -- leaving the town to handle costly clean-up and reclamation. The new regulations are meant to ensure that space will not be completely cleared of its resources and left to sit unused forever. Tune in for the full report.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 10:29:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015