South Burlington, Vermont- A controversial plan to slow growth, the interim zoning bylaw in South Burlington, could be decided as soon as Tuesday. The bylaw was created because some council members say development in the city has grown too fast, too soon.
The future look and feel for South Burlington is in question with an interim bylaw up for vote that will redefine future commercial and residential construction. It includes a review of permit applications by city council members.
"Where does the special wisdom come from that they are supposed to possess to make these judgements?," asks South Burlington realtor, Michael Simoneau.
Some council members created the plan after they say they watched South Burlington expand too quickly.
But Simoneau says that extra review by councilors is more red tape for developers.
"The anxiety that people have about what's going to happen is so great that most people are not going to bother doing it, they'll go else where," said Simoneau.
He says the future image of the city shouldn't be in the hands of a few council members.
"You're never going to get it exactly the way you want it so what are you going to do have interim zoning perpetually," questioned Simoneau. "While you try to strong arm people?"
Chair of the Council Sandra Dooley supports the plan and thinks there are a lot of people who don't agree with the way the city has grown.
"They are ready for some stronger leadership from the council," said Dooley.
Yet Simoneau says this bylaw takes away the rights of the people who call South Burlington home.
"At a certain level your holding a gun to peoples heads by imposing a by law like this," said Simoneau.
Dooley says this bylaw will help the city.
"The thoughtful process we are going to go through will make land more valuable in the long term," said Dooley.
Click here to read the interim bylaw.
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