Lincoln County commissioners postpone vote on R3 rezoning after public safety and infrastructure concerns

Lincoln County commissioners on May 27 unanimously voted to postpone action on a proposed R3 heavy-residential rezoning and on any future R3 rezoning requests until the county's comprehensive growth and land-use plans are finished.

The decision followed roughly 20 minutes of public comment in which residents and local volunteers pressed commissioners to consider fire protection, water supply, insurance ratings and traffic before approving higher-density development in South Lincoln County.

Residents argued the county lacks the infrastructure to support high-density housing. "I hope that you all will vote no," said Steve Jacobs, a resident who addressed commissioners during public comment. Tisha Jennings, who identified herself as a spokesperson for the Concerned Citizens of South Lincoln County, told commissioners, "We're here because we want to help inform you so that you can make the best decision for our community." Jude Jennings and other speakers cited the county's ISO…