Letter: We Need Zoning Laws that Protect All Property Owners in Caroline

In the heated debate over proposed zoning regulations in the Town of Caroline, the opposition has been very vocal. Their argument is simple, and on face value, makes sense. Respected friends and neighbors are concerned that their land will lose value, that they may be unable to grow or start a business, or that zoning laws might contribute to systemic inequities in housing and other opportunities. All of these positions must be considered when developing a responsible zoning plan for the Town, and principles of equity and fairness should be applied in the public interest. However, it is my firm belief that there is a silent majority in Caroline in favor of responsible zoning, and the “just say no” philosophy of zoning opposition leaves a lot of homeowners vulnerable to unregulated development.  

Those of us who support zoning may not have the same priorities as those who oppose it. We might not operate a business in Caroline, we might not own a farm or tons of acreage, we might not fear government intervention in the form of zoning regulations. But what we have in common with all interested parties, is the desire to protect the investment we have made in our property, and to see that investment grow over time. Like most middle class families, a large chunk of our net worth is in the form of home equity. Unregulated development threatens that equity.  I wonder what would happen to the value of my property if some of the nearby lots became car dealerships, or a gas station, or highly dense residential construction. 

I welcome growth within business districts, and believe people should have the right to subdivide large plots of land if they choose. But the devil is in the details — and zoning regulations are where the details should get hammered out. Where are the lines of those districts drawn? What is the allowable density of subdivided properties? My concern over the answers to these questions is no more or less valid than that of my business and land owning neighbors with large signs on route 79. I am not comforted by the idea that we’ve been ok for 200 years, so nothing bad will happen in the future. That’s like deciding not to purchase homeowner’s insurance because your house hasn’t burned down yet. The answer in the Town of Caroline is to develop responsible zoning laws, while trying to balance the interests of all parties as fairly as possible. 

Ellice Switzer

Town of Caroline