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Queenstown adopts revised zoning map after public hearing on golf-course redevelopment concerns
Summary
After a public hearing with residents who urged more public input, the Queenstown Commissioners adopted Ordinance 19-01 to repeal and reenact the town zoning map, including an expanded QRD zone and a 100-foot buffer remaining in Countryside to protect marinas.
The Queenstown Commissioners on June 19, 2019 adopted Ordinance 19-01 to repeal and reenact the town zoning map after a public hearing in which residents pressed for more notice and specifics about potential development tied to changes near the golf course.
Town Planner Peter Johnston told the commission the proposed map amendments implement elements of the town’s Comprehensive Plan. He said the revisions include retaining a 100-foot buffer in the Countryside zone to protect public marinas and expanding the QRD zone after discussions with the golf course about ways to improve its financial viability, including potential lodging, entertainment and residential components.
Several residents speaking during public comment said the timing and process were premature. Don Regenhardt of First Avenue said the town was "putting the cart before the horse," arguing that rezoning before presentation of concrete plans would reduce the town’s leverage. George Plumbo of First Avenue and Lori Sharer of First Avenue said they oppose changing zoning without seeing specific development proposals and said some residents feel excluded from recent planning revisions.
Paul Cain of Steamboat Avenue asked what steps the golf course would need to take; Johnston replied that any development would require additional Growth Allocation (GA) and review by the Critical Area Commission, beginning with a concept plan, and that a zoning map change does not guarantee GA or project approval.
John Anderes, general manager of Queenstown Harbor Golf Links, said preparing a conceptual development plan would cost tens of thousands of dollars and asked the commission to approve the zoning so owners could fund a concept plan. Johnston added the Planning Commission is developing a Trails Master Plan that could include trails through the golf course property.
After hearing public comment, President Thomas B. Willis, Jr. moved to adopt the amended map, finding it consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning ordinance; Commissioner Holger Schuster seconded and the motion passed, 3-aye, 0-nay. The ordinance officially repeals and reenacts the Queenstown zoning map as amended.
The commission did not specify conditions or a timetable for any future development proposals; Johnston reiterated that further approvals, including GA and Critical Area Commission review, would be required before any project could proceed.
