Atlas Twp.- Resolution to the debate concerning a five acre minimum in areas of the township is drawing near, as residents prepare to cast their vote in the Aug. 7 election.
Supporters and detractors of the rezoning have been vocal since it was adopted last February.
‘I’m not going to tell people how to vote,? said Township Supervisor Paul Amman, who supports the rezoning. ‘I think it’s important that (voters) sort out the truth about the issue rather than believe all the misinformation, half-truths and nonsense.?
Amman said the main detractors of the rezoning are those, such as developers, who would stand to benefit financially from smaller lot sizes.
Sue Arnold, a vocal opponent of the rezoning, see things differently.
‘People need to understand the economics of this rezoning issue. They need to connect the dots. If you reduce the property values of one-third of the township and the costs of running the township and schools remain the same, how are you going to make up the lost tax revenue?? asked Arnold.
The issue is accompanied on the ballot by a proposal from Mott Community College regarding an increase in tax limitation.
‘Shall the Atlas Township Board’s action taken on Feb.19, adopting a Rural Estate Zoning District ordinance #07-001 and amending the zoning map to reflect the district, be upheld??
A ‘yes? vote will uphold the newly instated minumum, while a vote of ‘no? will negate the rezoning.
Township Attorney David Lattie previously told The Citizen village residents would not be able to vote regarding the issue because they have their own zoning jurisdiction.