Residents rally against controversial rezoning proposal

Residents of Lebournemouth County voiced strong opposition during a recent Planning Commission meeting regarding a proposed rezoning application for Lot 1 in the Smith's Corner subdivision. The current proposal seeks to split the existing 5.09-acre parcel into two smaller lots of approximately 2.5 acres each, a move that has raised concerns among neighboring property owners.

Steve and Tracy, who own property adjacent to Lot 1, expressed their discontent with the plan, emphasizing their desire for spacious living in a rural setting. They highlighted that while they anticipated some development on Lot 1, the prospect of two homes being built so close to their property was unacceptable. They formally requested the Planning Commission to deny the rezoning application.

Sheryl Dobbins, another local resident, raised questions about the actual size of the lot, noting discrepancies in the reported acreage. She pointed out that the previous owner had indicated the lot might be less than the stated 5 acres, which could impact the feasibility of splitting it into two parcels. Dobbins also expressed concerns about increased traffic due to upcoming infrastructure changes, including the addition of bicycle lanes, and reiterated the preference for maintaining the area as a single-home plot.

Brian Manson, a nearby resident, added to the discussion by mentioning the potential impact of road widening on the lot sizes, suggesting that the proposed split could result in both lots being under the 5-acre threshold.

The Planning Commission is expected to consider these community concerns as they deliberate on the rezoning application, which has sparked significant local interest and opposition.