Clinton holds public hearing on proposed zoning revision articles 1–3; residents seek clearer changes and protections for Brown's Pond

The Town of Clinton held a public hearing April 8 at town hall to receive comment on proposed revisions to Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the town zoning law. Town officials said the revision project began in 2013 and the draft before the board reflects work by a zoning revision committee, the town planner and the town attorney.

Residents and stakeholders used the hearing to press for clearer documentation of what changed in the draft, to request explicit conservation protections for Brown's Pond, and to ask for technical clarifications on definitions and standards in the draft text.

The draft is the result of a multi‑year process, Supervisor Elliot said, and the version on the table includes edits from the town attorney that do not show track changes. “If you really want to get into the weeds ... go on the town website, pull up the code, and compare the two,” Elliot said, describing the 13‑year process that produced the draft.

Several speakers said the town should provide a tracked‑changes or side‑by‑side file so residents can see how the proposed law differs from the current code. “I am sad, distressed, and vehemently…