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Zoning creates Planning Commission meeting
debate Edgefielddaily.com web posted October 14, 2005 EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Planning Commission held its October meeting Thursday night and after the usual approval of past minutes and reports and reports opened the floor to the public on the matter of a new proposed zoning classification, Rural Residential. The purpose of the new zoning classification, or zone, is under review in order to find a way to help areas like the Lake Trenton and Courtney Road protect residents from unwanted businesses or farming, such as the hotly contested chicken farm, from coming into their area. Zoning Administrator Guy Mueller stated that some residents, such as the Lake Trenton area, wanted zoning but that due to being in a rural setting the residential zone classification was too restrictive for a rural setting. The proposed zoning classification was very similar to the present residential zone but, “includes some of the commercial,” allowances that would be better suited to their needs. Vice Chairman Roger Timpson wanted to make the distinction that by not allowing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO’s REPEALED), “do not apply to farming or free range cattle,” or other types of livestock. Mr. Mueller stated this was a “rough draft,” and that they wanted to get this out to the people of the county and get feedback and that some things may be added or taken out. Nadine Horne, who has lead the charge against Rodney Cato’s chicken houses being placed on nearby property asked how soon the new zoning classification could be enacted, “when we come back at the next meeting, I guess I want to know, when could we have a first reading.” Commissioner Bernadette Hudson told Ms. Horne that the Planning Commission did not do any reading as that is the function of the County Council and that the process is a very slow and deliberate process. Commissioner Tracy Freeman stated he’d like to see the leaders of groups like Ms. Horne’s send in letters representing the entire groups. Commissioner Hudson disagreed saying she would lend more weight to individual letters as no single person can represent entire communities or group’s opinions on all matters. The commission asked that all letters be sent to Zoning Administrator Guy Mueller and he would forward them on to all commission members. (Contact numbers listed below) Warren Hamilton wanted to make it clear that they did not want to zone the entire county, just their area. Ms. Horne and Mr. Hamilton stated the last brouhaha that happened when the surprise insertion of an ordinance to quietly zone the entire county was not their idea and they did not support that move. Commissioner Dick Harper asked if this classification would cover the entire county. Commissioner Timpson explained this was something they were looking at just for the Lake Trenton area but could be used by other areas if it fit their needs. Mr. Harper asked just how many new classifications were there going to be to which Mr. Mueller asked how many he wanted. “I think we have enough now,” Mr. Harper said. Another issue raised in the debate was since this was being considered how many people in the county were going to know, “If it weren’t for chicken houses there wouldn’t be a soul (in attendance) out there now,” Mr. Harper said which most commissioners agreed. County Councilman Everett Kitchens asked if the area the zoning was being looked at had been identified. Chairman James Burt stated that the area had been defined to the Lake Trenton and Courtney Road area. “The area is basically a whole tax map sheet,” Mr. Mueller said. Another resident asked if the commission was taking into consideration the effects of always doing zoning in, “ a reactionary way,” as the only time zoning comes up is when something is trying to be established. “How long would it be then before other commercial, industrial, or farming operations decide to not come to the county,“ due to zoning being implemented to keep the much needed commercial growth out of the county every time it is trying to get established. “I think we certainly have to be aware of that,” Mrs. Hudson stated. Keller Harmon made the point that if a majority of the people in an area wanted zoning, “this is a democratic process, and if the majority wants it they should be able to have it.” Most commissioners agreed however Mrs. Hudson stated it would have to be a large majority. “I don’t mean a 51% majority,” adding “I would like to see 75% myself.” Mr. Hamilton offered that rather than reactionary zoning the commission look further into the future than just five or ten years. The problem with that, some say, is that by directing growth in that manner takes away the natural process of growth that has been seen in Lexington County where Mr. Timpson stated the zoning followed the natural growth patterns that developed over the years, “zoning pretty much reflected what was already in the area,” he said. With that Chairman Burt stated that the process would be slow and that they were going to make sure everyone in the county was informed of what was under consideration and that they wanted input from all residents so the commission can try to come up with the best possible solution. “We are not going to rush it,” he said.
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