The Peru Gazette

By Donald McBrayer

The New Zoning Law Informational Meeting for agricultural landowners was held on Thursday evening July 19, 2012 at the Town Hall. About 30 area landowners  (including representatives from Rulf’s Orchard, Forrence Orchards, Applejacks Orchard, Sullivan’s Farm, Everett Orchards, and several others) were in attendance. Attending members of the New Zoning Law Committee were Rodney Brown, Don McBrayer, Adele Douglas, Jane Brelia, & Keith Matott. Town Councilors Brandy McDonald, Kregg Bruno, & Jim Douglass also attended.

The main point of contention is the proposed Agricultural Overlay Map (AOM) being proposed in the new zoning law. The AOM is designed to protect prime growing soils by limiting development of properties within the AOM to 35% total development. It would implement clustering of all subdivisions in the AOM and place a one house per five-acre cap on all properties within the AOM. The AOM is based on a state survey of soil analysis, and is designed to protect the non-renewable resource for future generations.

Several property owners spoke to fact that traditionally they have been very good at self-policing in regards to development and have been good stewards of the land. They indicated they felt “singled out” and worried about the financial burdens the AOM would place on them. They questioned why a provision was being placed in the new zoning law that corrects a problem that does not exist, and they insisted the AOM be removed from the new zoning law entirely.

The New Zoning Law Committee supported the AOM by pointing out that by state law, Peru must enact a zoning law that matches the Comprehensive Plan that clearly states an emphasis on preserving prime soils. Chair of the New Zoning Law Committee Rodney Brown insisted the AOM is an important part of the new zoning law precisely because it preserves Peru’s agricultural heritage. Mr. Brown stated several times the law protects the prime growing lands from aggressive development and preserves the agricultural traditions in the town.

The two-hour meeting wrapped up with the New Zoning Committee saying they will continue to refine the new zoning law and will look over the AOM for modifications that might be made to alleviate the landowners concerns. Mr. Brown concluded by saying, “We’ve been working on this zoning law for five years now, it’s fine if we need to work on it a bit longer.”

Both the Comprehensive Plan and the Proposed New Zoning Law can be found on the town website: www.perutown.com