Zoning laws in the U.S. were first enacted to protect property values and quality of life, so citizens know what their neighbor can and cannot build. Those who purchase property or have property in a …
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Zoning laws in the U.S. were first enacted to protect property values and quality of life, so citizens know what their neighbor can and cannot build. Those who purchase property or have property in a neighborhood have advance notice of the Zoning Laws so that everyone is on an equal playing field.
In 1926, U.S. Supreme Court Justice George Sutherland colorfully noted in the landmark case of the Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co.: "A nuisance may be merely a right thing in the wrong place — like a pig in the parlor instead of the barnyard …."
This was the first case which challenged Zoning Laws, and the Supreme Court sided with the Village of Euclid upholding their Zoning — that Zoning Laws are a necessary municipal-planning instrument.
While some people don’t mind having a pig in their parlor, the current Belvedere at Thames design that requires 16 variances doesn’t belong in the only remaining historic working waterfront section of our town. A good design with a proper fit within the zoning laws can work there. Please come to the Public Hearing to be held next Thursday at 7 p.m. to oppose an application for 16 variances that will destroy every intention of the Zoning Laws and our Comprehensive Plan that Bristol Citizens created and adopted.
Marianne Bergenholtz
Bristol