06-16-2012, 08:21 AM
Regarding Bill 209-12.
For whatever reason, I have been asked to publicly state my position on this legislation, although the other two candidates have not been asked to do the same.
Because my wife was injured in a mishap at the farm last week and has needed to remain off of her feet while the wounds healed, I have been busy taking care of her and doing everything around the house that both she and I normally do. Elizabeth is now rapidly mending, so I can share the following.
My understanding of Bill 209-12 is based on what I have read in the newspaper, in online discussions, and on the Council meeting agenda.
I strongly agree with the proposition that changing parcels along Pahoa Village Road from residential to commercial zoning, particularly as a means of avoiding sprawl beyond the village, is the right way to go.
I also share concerns about an application for rezoning of any parcel that is being offered for sale. The rezoning application for Bill 209-12 makes a claim for specific business plans. Given that the applicant does not intend to continue owning the property, it is a legitimate and relevant question as to whether those stated plans are genuine. Is this rezoning application simply meant to increase the speculative value of the parcel, without the owner/applicant having invested in on-site infrastructure for commercial development? If so, that does not serve the community well.
The Council receives written and oral testimony from the multiple perspectives, including the applicant as well as supporters and opponents. During Council deliberations, a Council member has the option of getting more information from the Planning Director. As a candidate, I do not have the same access to information that a sitting member of Council has. Without that information, I am not going to take a position on Bill 209.
Every sitting Council member has an obligation to be ready and able to explain the reason(s) for their vote. I look forward to hearing my Council representative do so.
For whatever reason, I have been asked to publicly state my position on this legislation, although the other two candidates have not been asked to do the same.
Because my wife was injured in a mishap at the farm last week and has needed to remain off of her feet while the wounds healed, I have been busy taking care of her and doing everything around the house that both she and I normally do. Elizabeth is now rapidly mending, so I can share the following.
My understanding of Bill 209-12 is based on what I have read in the newspaper, in online discussions, and on the Council meeting agenda.
I strongly agree with the proposition that changing parcels along Pahoa Village Road from residential to commercial zoning, particularly as a means of avoiding sprawl beyond the village, is the right way to go.
I also share concerns about an application for rezoning of any parcel that is being offered for sale. The rezoning application for Bill 209-12 makes a claim for specific business plans. Given that the applicant does not intend to continue owning the property, it is a legitimate and relevant question as to whether those stated plans are genuine. Is this rezoning application simply meant to increase the speculative value of the parcel, without the owner/applicant having invested in on-site infrastructure for commercial development? If so, that does not serve the community well.
The Council receives written and oral testimony from the multiple perspectives, including the applicant as well as supporters and opponents. During Council deliberations, a Council member has the option of getting more information from the Planning Director. As a candidate, I do not have the same access to information that a sitting member of Council has. Without that information, I am not going to take a position on Bill 209.
Every sitting Council member has an obligation to be ready and able to explain the reason(s) for their vote. I look forward to hearing my Council representative do so.