Survey Confirmed One Acre Plus!

Great news! Why is a confirmed acre great news? The Town Plan and Zoning Regulations are what property owners are subject to, with regard to how their property is used. The size of the lot is directly related to its allowable use. The Eaton's lot was recently re-zoned in order to promote "smart growth" patterns. Prior to this change in regulations they were permitted by law, to have a single family dwelling and an accessory apartment, because they were in a “Zone” that prescribed a one acre minimum for a single family residence. Previous changes had allowed for the addition of an accessory apartment and it wasn’t long ago that the occupant of that apartment had to be a family member or it would have been a commercial use, which was not allowed.

As our awareness of appropriate land use and how consumption affects our environment evolves, we are gradually becoming more prone to planning a more sustainable future. Before zoning was implemented it was legally possible for your neighbor to erect a factory or manifest a dumping area adjacent to the place you had chosen, and undoubtedly invested in. The freedom for your neighbor to do as they wish with their own parcel could have a tremendous effect on your property value. So, at the expense of having the freedom to do whatever we choose with our property, our chosen Select board members and hired officials have worked together to create, implement and enforce laws which protect us from our neighbors’ whims.

When one purchases or occupies a property, it is critical that he or she understand what rights and limitations go along with that. By choosing to live in a municipality with zoning, one fore goes certain freedoms in exchange for certain protections. As Zoning evolves, as it should with a sustainability movement, it may also encourage some property owners to substantially increase the density of their property. Interestingly enough it allows the opportunity for development, there by increasing its value. Realistically though, that, in and of itself is not necessarily a good thing. Development for monetary gain has a woefully regrettable history.

As population increases, and smarter land use becomes more of a priority, the need to anticipate and prepare accelerates. Municipalities have long term responsibilities to provide infrastructure for controlled growth. This includes limiting sprawl and encouraging consolidation so that services and maintenance can be more efficient. For the Eatons, and all their neighbors within this modified zone, what was previously a single building lot with a modest residence and carriage house is now a potentially valuable parcel, within what the town’s view of appropriate growth, is deemed “Village Center”.

The recent zoning modifications reduced the size of a single family lot, from a one acre minimum to a one quarter acre minimum. For the Eatons, and many like them, (who have confirmed full one acre lots) this essentially means that last year they owned a single lot, most likely with a house and the potential for an apartment. Simply by changing the zoning, they now own enough property for three additional lots. It must be understood that there are several other factors to consider and actions that need to be taken before that potential turns into value, but in consideration of the current state of affairs it will behoove many to do so.

Resistance to change can, and should be anticipated. Many, if not most of the people living in the neighborhoods they have chosen, did so because it felt right to them. More than likely they were attracted to the intensity of land use in the neighborhood. A sense of belonging and adjacency to others with enough room to enjoy the space around one’s enclave is part of the American Dream. It is easy to imagine that for many, “Big Brother’s” new zoning has robbed them of the protections they invested in when they chose these properties for themselves. Pause and wonder for a moment though, step back in time when these rural acres were once active farms. How did our ancestors feel when they had to relinquish sacred land to “progress”? If it weren’t for that shift only decades ago, the current residents would not have the opportunity to “borrow” the space they occupy today. As we move forward in the time space continuum, it is our responsibility to honor our sacred land and be “smart” and proud of what our borrowing leaves behind.

Personally, as blogging visionary for the Eaton’s little project, I struggle with the challenges of “doing the right thing”. I am blessed with the opportunity and burdened with the responsibility. All I can do is to continue to be grateful, and in so doing, be strong enough to ask for your sharing. I want to know how other people feel. I want to know what their experience is. I want to hear about their anger, their frustration, their confusion about their government’s agenda. I want to be someone who doesn’t need to defend my actions, mindful of the perceived conflicts my decisions cause, but comforted knowing I am doing “the right thing”. Help me if you will.