Council sends 2012 tourism‑zone ordinance to planning commission for study and public hearing

Mayor Christopher Bertaux introduced town code Article 5 (sections 18‑171 through 18‑177) and raised concerns that its language focused narrowly on hotel incentives and administrative expansion of zone boundaries. He proposed advertising a public hearing on whether the tourism‑zone ordinance should be repealed and asked Council member Rayner to lead discussion.

Council members disagreed on process. Several said the packet lacked staff history and that the planning commission and economic development advisory committee should be asked to study the ordinance before a public hearing. Town staff explained the enabling state code (2006 General Assembly) and said the tourism zone had been adopted in 2012 for four parcels associated with the Vineyard Square site; staff also said many municipalities use tax‑based incentives enabled by state code.

The mayor amended the motion to refer the ordinance to the planning commission, ask the town manager to direct staff research (including a list of businesses offered but who rejected the ordinance) and to advertise a public hearing. The referral passed on a roll call vote; the council directed staff to prepare materials in advance of an October public hearing timeline to allow legal review and public input.

Residents during public comment expressed mixed views: some urged keeping or expanding the tourism zone to attract investment, while others criticized placing the topic on a special‑meeting agenda without prior staff work.