More rezoning requests, ­more questions

The pace of rezoning requests continues to quicken. In this strengthening market, it’s increasingly important for groups and individuals to ask questions and receive answers, especially when they realize how rezonings can impact their lives.

If the impact of a proposed rezoning on those of us already living here is more negative than positive, and we see no community need being addressed, then it’s up to us to oppose such rezonings until proposals are revised to reduce their negative impact or withdrawn altogether.

Groups and individuals who take their civic responsibility seriously and vigorously question rezoning proposals can help effect a positive outcome for themselves and the developers who in most cases are also part of our community.

How can it help the developers? By listening to those raising questions, they can benefit from the wisdom of the crowds, more closely examine their proposals and make necessary adjustments to seek solutions.

Rezonings are not a right for property owners or developers.

They require serious examination, consideration and negotiation so benefits realized by some don’t come at the expense of others.

Questions that must remain in the forefront of every rezoning request include:

• What are the traffic concerns and how will they be addressed to not just preserve our status quo, but improve current traffic flows?

• Diminishing open space can negatively impact our quality of life and that of our precious flora and fauna. How do proposed rezoning requests enhance open space considerations? Will they make funds available for open space protection elsewhere or be planned in such a way to keep tracts of contiguous open space whole?

• Is a rezoning being sought to allow more clustering of units for infrastructure efficiency and maximizing open space ­ in other words does a proposal follow solid urban planning principles?

• In residential rezoning requests, is the change sought simply to allow a developer or property owner to make more money or will the rezoning address a demonstrated community need?

Our future can be more positive and enlightened if we remain engaged in asking the right questions and eliciting the right answers.