Eric Taussig, member

To the editor,

On Tuesday, March 10th, Moultonborough voters will have the opportunity to amend a section of the Moultonborough Zoning Ordinance that has allowed unplanned commercial development in residential/ agricultural zones, rather than in commercial zones where such development belongs.

When Moultonborough adopted its Zoning Ordinance in 1985, the entire town was zoned Residential/Agricultural, necessitating a process to enable commercial entities in the town. This was the genesis of so-called “Special Exceptions.” In 2000, Moultonborough established commercial zones. At that time the town should have repealed the section relating to Special Exceptions in Residential/Agricultural zones. Unfortunately it did not do so resulting in additional proliferation of commercial development in residential areas where it does not belong.

This proposed amendment will correct this omission and rationalize commercial development as it was intended in 2000 after the establishment of commercial zones. It should be noted that if a need and hardship can be demonstrated, a higher standard than for a Special Exception, an applicant for a commercial establishment in a residential/agricultural zone can still apply for a variance. It should also be noted that this change will have no effect upon existing commercial establishments in residential zones as those properties are “grandfathered” so long as the use remains unchanged.

This amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, responds to residents’ concerns about inappropriate commercial development in residential zones as reflected in the Master Plan Survey. After review, a yes vote was unanimously recommended by the Moultonborough Planning Board.

Please vote yes on Article 5 that will appear on the reverse side of the Moultonborough Town Ballot.

Eric Taussig, member

Moultonborough Planning Board