A yearlong effort to completely rewrite Malta’s zoning code has led to a special workshop on Monday, April 29th, at 5:30 p.m. in Town Hall. Town officials are refining a draft plan for a Land Conservation (LC) district, but residents are raising concerns after learning about proposed expansions weeks before a potential vote.
This overhaul, aimed at aligning the zoning code with the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, involves significant changes. Draft maps suggest the LC district could cover over 2,000 acres, impacting potentially 100 or more property owners townwide. Supervisor Cynthia Young stated the town has followed required procedures, including public meetings and hearings, and argues individual notifications weren’t necessary due to the townwide scope of the changes.
The LC district, intended to protect the environment, especially the Drummond Creek watershed, largely preserves existing agricultural uses on designated land, according to officials. Supervisor Young dismissed claims that the LC designation would devalue property. However, residents like Dave and Karen Avenarius feel blindsided, saying they only learned about the farm’s inclusion in the LC district recently.
Attendees are urged to learn more at the Monday workshop, which will also be streamed online. For more details, visit the provided source link.