Farmland preservation key in comprehensive plan discussion
How much farmland preservation is enough?
According to Janesville Plan Commissioner Tom McDonald, it depends on your definition of "preserve". He says if your definition is slowed growth, then the city's comprehensive plan preserves farmland. If your definition is to leave farmland in the state it's in, then he says it does not preserve the land, but just slows the growth.
Commissioner Kathy Voskuil says farmland is being preserved in the comprehensive plan. She says the plan doesn't identify the timing of the growth, and land use issues will come before the city council. Commissioner Meredith Helgerson says she does not want to restrict the rights of the private property owner. She says if farmers need to sell property to pay medical bills or pay college tuition, she does not want to see restrictions that would hinder their individual rights to do so.
The plan commission approved the comprehensive plan Monday, with Commissioners McDonald and Nancy Zolidis voting in opposition. It next moves to the city council.
Dec 2, 2008 at 10:19 a.m.
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Great attempt by Council Member McDonald - he has what it takes to be involved with this committee - vision. Once the land is marked for development, it will be developed. Preserving the land for what we will need it for - food growth - is more important than another subdivision and McDonald's. Land Owners have the opportunity to get money for their land through PDR's and TDR's - and can keep the land for farming through conservation easements. Most farmers are interested in keeping the land as farmland, but have had limited success in keeping the City out - except for LaPrairie Township - they are not afraid to go to court - so the City takes the path of least resistance - and takes land from the Townships with less effective leadership and vision. An old indian saying, "We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children" needs to be a billboard along Hwy 14 to keep people reminded of how important this land is to future generations. So, who does farmland preservation affect? Anyone that wants to eat.
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