New proposed Greensboro zoning for Caspian Lakeshore property is under consideration – New rules may be effective March 2014
The Greensboro Planning Commission is working on proposed changes to the Greensboro Zoning Bylaw which governs the Caspian Lakeshore district. The Commission plans to present the new zoning rules at Town Meeting in March 2014, and if voted in they will become effective as of that meeting.
An excellent comparison of the proposed zoning to the current Lakeshore zoning is found here.
The Greensboro Association has submitted comments to the Planning Committee about the draft proposal and has specifically questioned some of the provisions included in Article 8: Lake Shoreland Protection District Bylaw, which starts on page 56. The Greensboro Association urges Lakeshore property owners and potential owners to read Article 8 in particular, which contains further requirements regarding rebuilding, renovating or managing trees within the Lakeshore district. Property owners can also submit comments to the Planning commission at [email protected].
In brief, the Greensboro Association has questioned provisions calling for time consuming obligations on property owners who wish to cut trees on their property, on limitations to rebuild damaged existing cottages on their existing footprint, and on the need for stronger zoning in general given the continuing health of Caspian Lake.
The changes are a response to State legislation H.526 which being considered by the State Senate to provide a state regulation of all Vermont waters, including Caspian Lake. H. 526 has already been passed by the State House of Representatives.
Copies of the proposed changes are available at the Town Hall and here: Zoning Bylaw – 2013 Working DRAFT .
We should oppose this proposal. The Greensboro community has proven our ability to maintain and support a healthy life style for the lake as we enjoy living there and we don’t need more government regulation designed for a blanket statewide approach. This is an over reach by the state which we have seen as an ongoing trend for years. Time to say no. We are adults, good stewards and not idiots without a sense of social responsibly or understanding of the concept of Vermont culture and love of OUR land and OUR lakes. Greensboro is not a developers paradise requiring ironclad control of every tree or pebble on the beach by the state to maintain our summer and winter, farming and vacation cultures. I think we are perfectly capable of doing that our selves– one owner living next to another owner.
Editors note – comments are welcome here, but if you feel strongly about any part of these proposals you should write a letter to the planning commission or Kristen Leahy by Sept 30.
Dear Greensboroites, I’m all for protection of natural shoreline and the quality of the water at Caspina Lake, which makes Greensboro such a wonderful place to live. However I’m opposed to the proposed zoning rule 8.9C that prevents the rebuilding of cottages on the original footprint if it is danaged by more than 50%. I think the rule should be left as rebuilding is allowed within the existing footprint with a conditional permit from the DRB.
Editors note – comments are welcome here, but if you feel strongly about any part of these proposals you should write a letter to the planning commission or Kristen Leahy.
We would strongly suggest that any vote on the proposed zoning changes be postponed until they have been reviewed and explained to all the property owners.