Here's the rest of the news. I wonder if they had 2 reporters at the meeting. The first one left and turned in the story that came out yesterday and the second reporter stayed and got the really juicy story. hmmmm. I have no idea, but this was the most controversial discussion of the evening.
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Farmington voters defeat cluster-style zoning amendment
By SAMANTHA DEPOY
Correspondent Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Wednesday, March 14, 2007
FARMINGTON -- An attempt to stop sprawl before it starts has failed in Farmington.
At Monday night's town meeting, an amendment to the town's zoning ordinance that would require developers seeking to develop subdivisions to file a secondary cluster-style plan, was defeated by a 41-33 margin.
Had it been adopted, the Open Space Residential Development amendment would have applied to subdivisions of more than eight homes on 10 acres. It would have demanded developers file a plan with the Farmington Planning Board that would preserve a minimum of 45 percent of the property.
Instead of having homes spread out throughout the parcel, the secondary plan would set homes closer together while conserving a larger, common space.
The article featuring the amendment, which was drafted in response to a development that divided the historic Osborne Farm, generated more discussion than any other at the three-hour meeting.
Challengers contended the amendment would be too restrictive and repel investment in Farmington.
Local representative Janet Mills was concerned about the landscaping and home color and style standards the amendment would mandate.
"This proposal goes too far. It doesn't sound like Farmington to me," she said.
Others pointed out that by shoving houses shoulder-to-shoulder, sprawl would be stimulated.
"Doesn't this do exactly what we don't want it to do? Doesn't this create sprawl?" questioned newly-elected Selectman Jon Bubier.
Local Realtor Carol Hatch agreed, saying she gets inquiries daily from people looking to move out of cluster-style subdivisions.
"They don't want to live in that and that's why they are coming here," she explained. "We are rural Maine and I'd like to see it stay that way."
While all three incumbent selectmen supported the article, multiple members of the planning board, including chair Bussie York, did not.
Even those who spoke against it said they supported open spaces, but thought the amendment needed alterations and encouraged it be brought back before voters at next year's town meeting or at a special meeting later this year.
Following the failed vote, residents unanimously approved the enactment of the town of Farmington Right to Farm Ordinance, which was proposed by York, also a local farmer.
The ordinance, he said, shows that the town is supportive of Farmington farmers and reads, "...it is in the public interest to enhance and encourage farms, farm operations and locally grown farm products within the town."
Samantha DePoy -- 778-3949
samdepoy@verizon.net
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