LETTER: Without Zoning, Cannon County Will Become A Dump

Mr. Hackett you are absolutely correct in your letter.

Despite the belief that zoning laws only force people to build a house a certain way or prevent you from erecting an outbuilding on your property, there are many more things zoning laws do for a community such as help prevent things like this new rock quarry.

I have made the point personally to Commissioners and publically on this and other websites over the last few years that zoning laws were needed in Cannon County and I was beat to death by people in the community and told by Commissioners that "we don't want laws in our community that tell us how to build something on our own property".

Well, that mindset works both ways. No zoning laws means we can't tell anyone what they can build on their property either such as this new rock quarry. Now the chickens have come home to roost and suddenly eyes are wide open.

It was my understanding we lost a sizable grant within the last two years to help fund the removal of the window air conditioners and help restore the inside of the courthouse due to basically the same reason I was told why we didn't want zoning laws.

For far too long we have been governed with the idea that we live in the moment. I hope that the time has come where people are beginning to understand that the idea of planning for the future of Cannon County is not something that can be delayed any longer.

Amen. If we do not get decent zoning laws we are done.Wait till someone starts putting adult businessess around the square. That'll be a humdinger won't it.

The issue of zoning came before the county commission during the 1980's. At that time it was possible for counties to collect an impact fee when adversely affected by an increasing population or population growth brought about by spill over from neighboring counties. We were told then we must have zoning in place before we could be eligible to collect such impact fees. The zoning issue was brought before the county commission at that time only to be shot down (trampled) by those with the same attitude of not wanting to be told what they could and could not do on their own property. The interest of the commission was not what was best for the county but what was best for the commissioners!
I agree with Mr. Hackett. Unless Cannon County adopts a zoning policy then Cannon County could well become a dump. Vigilant minds like Mr. Hackett have saved us from such a disaster more than once before. Such voices need to be heard and heeded. Thank you Mr. Hackett for placing your concerns before the public. We all benefit from the beauty found in our county. To continue this benefit, we must protect it. If we, as citizens don't fight to protect it, then who else will?