During a recent government meeting in Fairview, community members expressed strong opposition to a proposed rezoning initiative that would allow for higher density housing developments. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on local infrastructure, quality of life, and adherence to the city’s long-term planning goals.
Residents questioned the necessity of increasing density beyond the existing RS 40 zoning, arguing that the current zoning was sufficient and that the proposed changes could lead to overdevelopment. One speaker highlighted that the city had already accounted for over 3,000 homes in its planning, raising doubts about the need for additional housing. There were also concerns about whether the developer had committed to building necessary infrastructure, such as roads, to support the new homes.
Critics of the rezoning pointed out that the city had not conducted adequate studies to determine if it could provide essential utilities, such as sewer services, to the proposed developments. They emphasized that any potential contamination of local water sources from new developments could jeopardize the health and safety of existing residents.
The meeting also saw calls for transparency regarding the decision-making process, with residents demanding to know if the proposed rezoning aligned with the community-driven 2040 plan. Many voiced frustration over past decisions that had seemingly disregarded public input, particularly regarding developments like Orange Shire and Woodwick Cove, which were rezoned against community wishes.
As the discussion unfolded, questions were raised about the mayor's past voting record on similar developments, with residents urging elected officials to prioritize the interests of current citizens over those of developers. The sentiment was clear: the community is seeking assurance that their voices are heard and that their quality of life is protected in the face of ongoing development pressures.