Ordinance is clear & concise

Dear Editor:

As a voter, I want to understand propositions on the ballot. Therefore, I have visited the Morgan County Commissioner’s website and read their summary of the zoning ordinance. It contains a clear and concise explanation, which is easy to understand and answered my questions.

I am impressed with the overlapping districts that encourage residential growth, farming or small businesses anywhere in the county. The proposed zoning also protects the watershed in Cold Run Valley. In addition, builders must plan developments that protect wildlife by requiring open space that must connect to adjoining open space for adequate wildlife corridors.

Overall, it respects our freedom to do what we want with our property while protecting us from having something undesirable (like a business that creates obnoxious noise or excessive traffic) built in residential backyards.

Like many others, I have been following the issue closely in The Morgan Messenger through all the letters, articles and ads about the proposed zoning. It’s clear the issue is not one of longtime residents versus newcomers.

However, one letter writer last week suggested that newcomers who support zoning should all move back to where they came from. That saddens me, as I have always felt welcome and not an outsider. One of the strengths of Morgan County is that whether born here or not, we are friends and community members who work and play together in mutual fellowship.

As a 15-year property owner, I am proud to call Morgan County home. Certainly the view of wishing newcomers to leave is a small minority one.
Our land, water and rural way of life will be better protected if we enact the zoning ordinance. The arguments against zoning seem to have no substance. They are vague and never mention anything specific about how the ordinance would negatively impact lives. In fact, I have seen nothing in the ordinance that will create hardships for any of us.

Please take time to learn about the zoning ordinance. It is a limited, non-invasive proposal that will preserve the wild and wonderful in this unique place we all call home. Please join me on November 2 in voting yes on the zoning ordinance that protects our property rights in Morgan County.

Jane McCloud
Berkeley Springs