Quote:
Originally Posted by VtSteve
Is all that due to the fishing boats that launched from there, specifically for tournaments?
Whenever things like this happen, I always look to see if the party being targeted was offered a buyout so development could proceed. Doubtful in this case, but I don't really see the point of this ordinance.
|
VtSteve, there were many articles written about this during the initial stages. Some on winni.com as well as many of the LR papers. You can also read through the Gilford planning board and zobing board meeting minutes. One thing to realize is Ames Farm made efforts to have the tournaments start farther off land and to appease abutter concerns.
However, you will see that the abutters used the classic technique of zoning to get their wish to shut down his boat launch. What they did is complain about any violation on the property. What I will tell you is that it's VERY easy to find something wrong with a property. This is especially true in small rural towns in New England where code enforcement is haphazard or was during the past. All it takes is one planning board mylar to be missing a signature and 40 years from now someone could use that to claim your subdivision or house lot did not get proper approval.
If I were Don Ames, I would have picked up the grenade and threw it right back at them by looking up every violation the abutters had. Did you really make that shed 10x10 or did you cheat and make is 12x12? There are endless things to look for. A surveyor and title research could reveal a lot too
They best be thankful I'm not their neighbor....
The current ordinance these folks are trying to push is like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly. Hopefully the voters of Gilford will see fit to follow the planning board recommendation and turn down the petition. Making the Glendale docks property non-conforming should send off alarm bells that the ordinance is not drafted properly.
I would actually be sympathetic with the homeowners with large numbers of boats leaving the ramp at 6:30AM every weekend. However, I think that's what the ordinance should work to address, not every potential boat ramp in Gilford. I also believe that the abutters were never going to be satisfied as long as *gasp* people were launching boats near their little seasonal cottage because they pay taxes (psst, waterfront homes aren't always the most expensive)..... Going after all public ramps in Gilford? Now I say screw the abutters.
Why not write an ordinance the goes for a direct solution rather than painting with a town-wide brush?