As we embark on a new year, I wanted to take a moment and thank all of those that have strongly supported me and the Residents First! movement.
Over the next year, we will have lots of opportunities to express our views at critical town meetings. While our current zoning code may need a “refresher,” it is by no means antiquated and can still protect us from over-building and intensification that continues to knock at our door. There are enough tools in the current code that can help preserve our quality of life, but we must stay strong and push back when the residents do not feel that the changes and exceptions to the code serve our needs. Variances and special exceptions that will directly result in additional traffic and congestion should be denied.
We are the ones that live in the town day in and day out and have a unique responsibility to chart a path in keeping with our Comprehensive Plan.
Over the last few months, I have spoken to residents north, mid- and south of town and would like to report back that we all feel that the current level of business interests is “maxed out.” We will need to think creatively about how to transform the current commercial areas by converting existing buildings to residential use (especially on upper floors) to help drive down the pressures and begin to de-intensify the island and reduce traffic congestion.