The Nelson Fiscal Court convened on September 2, 2025, to address a public hearing regarding a proposed zoning change for an A1-PUD development. The meeting featured significant community input, particularly from residents concerned about the implications of the development on local infrastructure and the character of the area.
During the hearing, several residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed 13-acre subdivision. Key concerns included the lack of essential infrastructure, such as adequate water supply, fire services, and road access. One resident emphasized that the current infrastructure is insufficient to support additional housing, stating, "the water is not there. The fire pipe is not there. The roads are not there." This sentiment was echoed by others who argued that the area is primarily rural and should remain so, highlighting that the land in question is primarily agricultural and fits the existing landscape.
Residents also raised concerns about the potential increase in traffic and the challenges of accessing driveways on the proposed five-acre tracts. They argued that the development would disrupt the rural character of the community, which they value. One speaker noted, "we bought our land for... the country," indicating a desire to preserve the area's agricultural nature.
Additionally, there were allegations regarding potential conflicts of interest among members of the planning and zoning committee, with calls for at least one member to recuse themselves from the decision-making process due to personal connections to the developer.
The meeting concluded with a clear expression of community sentiment against the proposed zoning change, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of infrastructure and community character before proceeding with such developments. The court is expected to deliberate further on the matter, taking into account the concerns raised by residents.