Hector holds two additional meetings on zoning

HECTOR--The Hector town board held another public hearing last week to discuss the proposed zoning regulations. The current version of the zoning regulations can be found online (https://www.hectorny.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif696/f/uploads/zoning_2022-final_4.pdf) and includes 31 pages. During the meeting, residents shared stories and perspectives, with people speaking for and against the idea of implementing zoning regulations. Board members listened, clarified, and explained the current proposal. They also indicated at this point, the board is within its right to vote on the regulation at any time. By law, according to councilwoman Jessica Rodgers, the board only had to hold one public hearing - which was done years ago. Several on the board added that there are no plans to formally vote at this time. An additional meeting was held Tuesday, Oct. 4 to continue the discussion. Among the points made at the meeting last week: Rodgers explained that this years-long process began when residents brought concerns to the board and requested that the board institute zoning regulations. She explained these requests are documented in meeting minutes that can be found online. "The main thing that people who have expressed interest in having zoning is a concern about over-development or big development," Rodgers said. "The trash incinerator trying to come into Romulus. The bitcoin mining operation in Dresden. The salt caverns and LPG storage. I think that has made concerns come up in some people's minds that industrial activity could come into Hector and there's nothing we could do about it. That is one of the biggest drivers. Large industrial money coming into the area and the rural people who were born and raised here not being able to do anything about it. Just bigger money coming in and doing what they want." According to Rodgers, the current proposal basically leaves residential properties untouched and restricts commercial development by size. If the business' footprint is less than 8,000 square feet, there would be no change from the current process; those between 8,000 square feet and 12,000 square feet would be required to do a site plan review; and those with a footprint larger than 12,000 would be required to go through a rezoning process. Rodgers said that businesses cannot be restricted by type, although she also said that certain businesses (adult entertainment, for example) would not be allowed. Town Supervisor Justin Boyette explained how the proposed regulation would impact existing, non-conforming businesses. According to Boyette, as long as a business remains in operation, without a break lasting two years or more, it can continue to operate. It can also remodel and renovate. It cannot expand beyond its current footprint. The current owners can sell the business, and the new owners can continue to operate the non-conforming business, again, as long as there is not a break in operations of two years or more. Resident Ken Barber Sr. indicated that those who think zoning can stop commercial development are mistaken. "People who think zoning will be the panacea are wrong," said Barber. "It may actually be the undoing, because the little guy can't do it, but the big guy can. Places like Walmart have lawyers and time." On the other side of the issue, Lou Damiani, from Damiani Wine Cellars, spoke about the need to think about the community, neighbors, have a vision for the future, and consider what will be given to future generations. "If we just let growth happen without trying to monitor it and help it a little bit, this will turn into a free for all," Damiani said, who lamented about 60 cottages that were built near him. "We haven't seen big money move in here. When we do it's going to change the landscape and not in a good way."