Posted on 01/23/2023 7:30:30 PM PST by george76
An overflowing, angry crowd of nearly 200 area citizens filled the Roubideau Room of the Delta County Human Resources room beyond capacity with the door to the room staying open for those who could not fit in the tight space Wednesday evening.
The apparent consensus was that new land use restrictions are being placed on their personal land and property, which would result in fees or not allow them to use their land for purposes they intended..
Before the public hearing regarding the land use code began, Planning Commission Chairman Tom Kay gave a brief presentation on the beginnings and reasons for the land use code. Kay said the planning commission has been holding biweekly work sessions and hearings regarding potential changes to the land use code since October 2021, but those meetings were not well attended by the public.
It was mentioned that residents must obtain a permit from the state as far as electrical and plumbing matters to their personal property. One part of the 2021 code that was referred to several times states that things are allowed on the property if it doesn’t materially change the character of the residence and its use doesn’t create excessive noise, odor, dust, lights, traffic or other disturbances.
The public hearing began with an individual named Scott who said he wanted to put three RV covers on his property on California Mesa and “it turned into a nightmare” due to code restrictions and regulations. The person said he has invested an enormous amount of funds to comply with the code.
Hotchkiss resident Darlene Green said a coalition should be formed for individuals to serve to help the commission make informed decisions.
Crawford resident Larry Jensen was concerned about the cattle ranch he owns and restrictions the changes in the code might make to his land.
“We’re not good with this… property rights are inalienable,” area resident David Jensen said, adding that the constitution provides freedom to personal property.
At first, things were running orderly as individuals presented their opinions one at a time as they were called upon by Kay, with many saying that they felt their rights were being taken away. However, profanities and name-calling then began. One individual in particular screamed out, “You work for the public,” while giving way to obscenities as he engaged the crowd in his hostile behaviors. One Paonia resident told the crowd that they need to do everything possible to protect their land, be strong and stand together.
Several people said they moved to Delta County for freedom with their personal property.
“No one can tell me what I can not do on my property,” one individual said, and others agreed.
Eventually, Kay said they were going to end the public hearing portion and allowed the planning commissioners to chime in. Several of the planning commission members said they appreciated the input but could have done without the insolence. As the discussion became more controlled, it was realized by the planning commission that some of the verbiage of the code was causing confusion and they needed to use terminology such as “process review” instead of permit.
As chaos declined and the crowd dwindled in size, Crawford resident Rick Erker eventually said the planning commission is trying to serve as a facilitator to help people as they get land. “Your project sets people up for success in a lot of ways.”
Comments among some planning commissioners and residents seemed to echo sentiments about finding a balance with the land use code, recognizing that people are passionate about their property and their rights.
The planning commissioners said they regretted the 2021 land use code being outsourced by a group not associated with the county, and they are trying to revise things from that adopted code, usually in favor of the property owner. Individuals on the planning commission also said that they want to find a way to keep the constituents informed as they move forward.
Planning commissioners echoed the fact that they want to work with the land owners and many times, things will be allowed but residents have to go through the process, which includes contacting them, a public review and a public hearing for neighbors.
The planning commission welcomed residents to attend the biweekly planning meetings as well as the county commissioner meetings. Delta County Administrator Robbie LeValley volunteered to help get people set up for alerts for upcoming meetings.
SOMETIMES you just have to STAND UP & be COUNTED.
They gave up INVENTORY idea.
http://rebirthofreason.com/Articles/Gleaves/Dinner_at_the_White_House_-_a_parable.shtml
keep up the good work and the rest of us do likewise.
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