| Ted Celeste commentary: Casinos' attempt to skirt local zoning regulations is troubling |
|
Sun, Nov 29, 2009 | |
From Columbus Dispatch:
As a realtor and developer, I have been to many meetings with zoning officials, builders, developers and elected officials. A plan is presented for consideration, and local zoning laws must be followed for the plan to be approved for construction. Zoning laws have been created to provide guidance to those who wish to build within municipal boundaries. Careful thought and planning have led to the refinement of the zoning laws to take into account changes in an area's character or appearance.
Now we find out that two casino developers believe they have found a way around these regulations. They put an issue before the people of Ohio and included in it a description of where they would locate their casinos. No consultation with zoning officials. No consultation with neighboring landowners. No consultation with local elected officials. And the people of Franklin County and neighboring counties said no. This was the only opportunity they had to voice their opinion. Where does that leave us with home rule and local control?
Several of my colleagues in the Franklin County legislative delegation share this concern. We listened to our constituents' concerns about a casino locating in our community. We encouraged those who opposed the idea to vote no on Issue 3. And they did. Were this any other type of development, the developers would be back to the drawing board to find a plan that would meet with the community's approval and zoning requirements. What makes this situation different?
Read Article
|
|
|
Share It!
|
|
Newsletters
Subscribe
Print
Share Page
