The Lakeville Special Town Meeting held on July 19, 2004, addressed significant concerns regarding zoning regulations and their impact on local business and industrial development. The meeting highlighted the challenges posed by existing zoning laws, which currently render nearly 95% of the community's business and industrial zones nonconforming.

A key discussion point was the implications of these zoning restrictions on property development. It was noted that modifications to properties within these zones are severely limited, affecting the community's tax base and overall economic growth. Specific examples were provided, including a parcel of land situated between the Lakeville Hospital and Dewey's Restaurant, which has been rendered nearly undevelopable due to zoning constraints. The property, approximately three acres in size, is split between residential and business zones, leading to significant limitations on its use.

The meeting also addressed the case of a local property owner who sought to include a previously excluded residential portion of his land into the business zone. While this request was granted, the subsequent zoning changes resulted in a 50% reduction of usable land, further complicating development efforts.

Concerns were raised about the overall impact of these zoning regulations on the community's business and industrial land, which constitutes about 17% of the total land area. The discussion underscored the need for a reevaluation of zoning laws to facilitate more effective land use and support local economic development.

The meeting concluded with a call for further dialogue among town officials, property owners, and planning boards to explore potential solutions to these zoning challenges, emphasizing the importance of balancing community needs with development opportunities.