Dear Editor,

I appreciate the Area Plan Commission’s unanimous vote against the spot zoning of farmland to heavy industrial. Thank you! The APC followed the Comprehensive Plan and realized the best use of 330 LESA rated farmland was to continue its sustainable, renewable work … to feed people.

However, the work to save farmland is not over. Our commissioners have the final vote. They can accept, deny or table the APC recommendation.

Please contact our commissioners. Remind them of the importance of the Comprehensive Plan. It is their guide and reference for every current and future proposal.

The plan states:

• It is “intended to represent all of us and will be our tool to build a better future together.”
• It is “a detailed guide for our county and local leaders to reference when making decisions about growth and development.”
• It (was an opportunity) to think through specific and unique needs that directly relate to the residents.
• “It must be implemented on a daily basis by elected officials, commission members.”

The plan’s goals are to:

• “Ensure the safety, wellness and success of (all) our local residents.”
• “Provide for balanced, planned and orderly growth.”
• “Manage local resources.”

The plan’s objectives and priorities are to:

• “Preserve our productive agricultural land. Kosciusko County’s strong history is rooted in its agricultural heritage, identity and economic opportunity. The Future Land Use Map strengthens the agricultural industry by delineating clear growth areas.”

Obviously, this important, detailed guide provides clear boundaries for agricultural land use. The plan is so valued, it is also thoroughly embedded in our county’s ordinances. For example, Article 2 and Article 3 state:

• “The purpose is to “protect prime agricultural land related uses from … that is not compatible (with the surrounding area).”
• The intent … is to further the goals of the …Comprehensive Plan.
• “The (Technical Review) Committee shall consider whether or not the proposed Site Development Plan is consistent with the goals and objects of the Comprehensive Plan.”

You may not feel this matter concerns you. If spot zoning is used in this circumstance, it can be used no matter where you live. It is a powerful tool.

Commissioners, the answers to your questions are in the plan. Stand behind it. Follow the recommendation of the APC. Vote against the “spot zoning” request.

Sign the online petition. Enter https://www.change.org/KeepLeesburgRural in your browser. Click the link, complete the form and hit “submit.”

The Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners meets at the courthouse at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 22. Join us in a peaceful, respectful display of support for small towns, rural living and prime farmland.

Dr. Bruce L. Lamb