News Room
June 12, 2012
Statement from Zoning Commission Chairman Anthony Hood on the Zoning Regulations Review
At the May 14th Zoning Commission meeting, I brought issues to light that I had encountered with the public concerning the process of the ZRR. And, unfortunately, there continues to be confusion about this issue. First, I want to make it clear that the concerns I was referring to were not specific policy changes, rather issues about the process. I would now like to take a minute to again clear up any misunderstanding about this process.
Currently, the Office of Planning is in the process of drafting text or rather, language to amend the Zoning Regulations. As of yet, they have not submitted any text to the Zoning Commission for hearing. It is my understanding that there will be some text forthcoming within the next several weeks. When the Zoning Commission sets down the text for hearing, I understand the Office of Planning will be conducting outreach on the proposed text. I would encourage OP to go far and wide to illustrate what the proposed changes would mean to all of our communities. Perhaps, the outreach meetings could be broadcast on Channel 16. Maybe a system could be devised to respond to the specific concerns that are raised. Whatever OP decides, I would hope that the community can come away informed and ready to present their testimony to us at the hearing.
Once the public hearings are scheduled, the public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions directly with the Zoning Commission. They can a.) submit detailed written testimony in support or opposition, and/or b.) testify in support or opposition before the Zoning Commission. I would like to make it crystal clear the decision on the text will be made by the Zoning Commission, after it has held public hearings.
Again, I want everyone to be comfortable with the process, know that there will be education on the proposed changes, know that their voices will be heard, and that the Zoning Commission will make the final decision in this hearing room.
--Chairman Anthony Hood
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