Hector sees large turnout for zoning meeting

HECTOR--For close to three hours, the Hector town board and residents discussed proposed zoning laws during a live and virtual meeting Thursday, Feb. 10. Most who spoke during the public portion of the meeting were against instituting new zoning laws.
"This is our fifth public hearing on the draft zoning law and this is certainly the biggest attended one we have had so far... and we will at least do one more," said Town Supervisor Alvin White.
Chelsea Robertson of the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning Board gave a presentation on the new zoning laws, explaining various aspects in the 120-page document.
Speaking for over an hour, Robertson started her presentation detailing the process that began in 2017 and led the town to its current draft law.
"Zoning laws (take a lot of time)... and we don't want to be in a position where you have to say no to something good... (there is) some flexibility with the law," said Robertson.
A good portion of the presentation was dedicated to addressing specific concerns already brought up by residents through previous meetings.
"There is one article... it has had the most comments on it and the one everyone is the most worried about... and that is the non-conforming uses, structures and lots," said Robertson.
On the first page of the draft law, it says the rules would apply to "new construction only and would not be applied retroactively to existing uses and structures."
Robertson also tried to address what she called falsehoods being spread around about the proposed law.
"I have heard people say you can't have three horses on your property anymore," Robertson said.
Robertson went on to say that there was also nothing in the proposed law that would prevent people from trimming their trees.
For home business usage, Robertson explained that while home businesses would be allowed they would be required to maintain the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood.
Following the presentation, the first public speaker started off by saying, "what the hell were you thinking," to the board followed by applause from the crowd.
While the crowd remained respectful throughout the presentation, those in attendance routinely disregarded White's comments at the beginning of the meeting to not applaud during the public portion of the meeting or speaking out of turn.
"When's your term up Alvin," one person yelled.
Concerns brought up included governmental overreach and the loss of the rural character of Hector.
"Ironic that you are trying to protect the rural character when this will take rural out of Hector and make it suburban," said Bruno Schickel.
Schickel went on to express concerns that while the board most likely has good intentions, the reality is that he believes the proposed zoning laws would end up being abused.
After making sure everyone had a turn to speak, White addressed concerns that since he lives in the village, he is overseeing a law that would not even impact him.
"I own 65 acres out in the country. I may live in the village but that doesn't mean it won't impact what I own," said White.
The zoning document can be seen at https://tinyurl.com/2p85t3un.