Citizens asked for land use ideas

Morgan County residents are being invited to address an important question about the county's future.

The question is how land in the county can best be used, and how county officials can balance individual rights and the greater needs of the community.

That challenge is being posed by the land use subcommittee of the Morgan County Planning Commission, and two

public meetings in August will give resident a chance

to answer.

Last month, the Morgan County Commissioners asked the planning board to form a committee to gather public comments about land use, and sort those comments into categories.

Members of the Planning Commission's subcommittee on land use are Sue Parker, Brad Close, Wayne Omps, Scott Swaim and Jack Soronen.

The group was asked to divide their findings into issues that can be resolved through current county ordinances, issues that can only be resolved through zoning and issues that can only be addressed by a change in state law.

A report about their findings and recommendations for action are due back to the commissioners by late September.

Planning Commission President Jack Soronen said he has visited the school board, Economic Development Authority and local farm bureau to ask for input from those groups.

In addition, the planning office issued a written invitation to several groups and individuals to answer the question of future land use challenges.

"The committee would like to hear first-hand from people what their concerns are about land development," said Soronen.

Citizens may go to the Warm Springs Middle School on Tuesday, August 4 at 7 p.m. and to the Paw Paw Senior Center on Tuesday, August 11 at 7 p.m. to speak about community land use issues.

Those who cannot attend a public meeting can also forward their thoughts to County Planner Alma Gorse at agorse@morgancountywv.govby mail at 77 Fairfax Street, Room 105, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. 25411 or by phone at 304-258-8540.