GLENBURN, Maine — The town will hold its final public meeting to discuss proposed changes to the land use ordinance at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the town office.
A small turnout of voters narrowly rejected the ordinance in June 2011. The vote drew 125 residents to the ballot boxes. In the end, the changes to the ordinance were rejected by nine votes 67-58.
This time around, the town is trying to be more vocal about the ordinance and give residents more chances to offer comment and air their concerns, said Ron Harriman, Glenburn’s economic and community development consultant.
“We don’t want people to have the perception that this affects them negatively,” Harriman has said.
The current 12-page ordinance was adopted in 1987 and puts the entire town in one rural-residential zone, with the exception of a 500-foot industrial strip along the railroad tracks, which means that almost any type of development could be permitted anywhere in Glenburn, according to Harriman.
The 85-page proposed update, among other things, seeks to establish a village district in the part of town that includes the town office and elementary school, a residential-commercial district, an industrial district and a rural district, along with a list of activities allowed and prohibited within each or allowed with code enforcement or planning board approval.
Town Manager Michael Crooker and Harriman said these changes would provide organization and structure to what’s developed and where it’s placed in town.
“If we don’t have the feedback, we can never say for sure what people were opposed to or what held them back from approving the changes,” Crooker said before the first meeting back in November 2011.
The proposed ordinance can be found at www.glenburn.org. The town will accept comments at the meeting. Residents also may comment by calling 947-8595 or emailing grantron@aol.com.
Good Citizens of Glenburn, I beseech thee to Carefully consider the following before surrendering your Private Property Rights.
The Constitution of the United States
Amendment 4 – Search and Seizure.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment 5 – Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings. (Excerpt)
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; . . . .
nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, (as in “pleading the 5th”)
Nor be deprived of life, Liberty, or Property, without due process of law;
Nor shall Private Property be taken for public use, without Just compensation.
Constitution of The State of MAINE
Article I. Declaration of Rights.
Section 1. Natural Rights.
All people are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and unalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, Acquiring, Possessing and Protecting Property, and of pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.
Section 21. Private Property, when to be taken.
Private property shall not be taken for public uses without just compensation; nor unless the public exigencies require it. (in an Emergency)
Section 24. Other Rights Not Impaired.
The enumeration of certain rights shall Not impair nor deny others (other rights) retained by the people.