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Residents oppose proposed ETJ reduction; board tables decision
Summary
At a Nov. 3 public hearing, multiple West Jefferson ETJ residents asked the Board of Aldermen to keep their properties in the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. After discussion and objections from board members, the board voted 5-0 to table consideration of the ETJ relinquishment.
At a public hearing opened by Mayor ProTem Rusty Barr, several residents from neighborhoods within West Jefferson’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) urged the Board of Aldermen not to shrink the town’s ETJ.
Speakers at the hearing included Martin and Tammy Dinstmanis of Candlelight Park, Sarah Alston of Mountainview Estates, James Bumgardener, Shelia Driver and Linda Yakel of the Buck Mountain community, and written communications from Melody Lane residents (Mitch Miller, Elaine Adams, Charles and Brenda Osbourne). One property owner, John Harless, asked that his entire property be removed from the ETJ.
Aldermen Calvin Green and Stephen Shoemaker expressed concerns about the effects of relinquishing portions of the ETJ. After discussion, Alderwoman Beth Shelton moved to table the matter to a later date; Alderman John Reeves seconded and the motion passed 5-0. The board did not make any substantive policy change at the meeting.
Why it matters: changes to an extraterritorial jurisdiction affect which planning and zoning rules apply and which properties the town can regulate for subdivision, utility extension and related services. Residents who spoke said they preferred to remain under the town’s jurisdiction. The board’s decision to table leaves the current ETJ intact until the matter returns for further consideration.
What’s next: The board will revisit the ETJ relinquishment at a future meeting; no new date was set in the minutes.
