Peters Twp Tables Zoning Change

Peters Township Council held a public hearing Monday centered on an ordinance that governs the Conservation Residential Overlay Zoning District. Council wished to take action to remove two land parcels from that district and redraw the zoning map. Parcels currently in that district are allowed cluster housing on parcels smaller than traditional half acre or larger parcels required throughout the township. The attorney for the developer of the proposed Frobe Farms development voiced opposition to the approval of any change on three issues. The first issue he pointed to was that the advertised ordinance was improper in its drafting. He pointed to missing information in the copy of the proposed changes. He indicated that the removal of the parcels do not align with the current comprehensive plan that the township adopted in 2013. Finally, council was informed that the issue will be challenged in court as an issue of spot zoning. Developments such as these have come under recent fire by long time residents because of the crowded nature of the developments. They indicate that the developments would overstress rural roads with traffic. They also state that property values of adjacent homes would be negatively affected. Council tabled the matter during its voting meeting. They will readvertise the ordinance change, conduct a new public hearing and then vote on the ordinance changes.