Polson planning has been compromised
Editor,
The Polson Board of Adjusments recently approved a zoning variance permitting a city council member to complete construction on a guest house over an existing boat house. The councilman, in requesting a variance, said he assumed his property was zoned RZD, a resort district, but later learned his was in a LRZD low density residential district.
The councilman and his wife, a licensed real estate professional, hold a public service position and a professional position with great responsibility to planning and zoning issues.
The councilman represents the council's authority in the planning office. I assume that requires him to evaluate staff, recommend raises - or not, and be the person staff discusses policy matters with.
He says the planning staff allowed him a permit, giving him improved opportunities in zoning, and they should bear the burden of the mistake…
Maps are clearly displayed in city hall advertising zoning districts. One is placed near the platform where the council conducts its meetings. The councilman's property is clearly defined on the map. It is ringed on three sides by a bright red line identifying the city limits and is north of a lavender rectangle designating the RZD zoning of Bear Harbor. The councilman's district is brown (LRZD).
City councilwoman Roberta Thick said that ramifications from this situation might set a bad precedent. She tried to focus more attention on the seriousness of the situation when she said, "A multitude of questions have not been asked."
A lot of speculating is going on, fed by a lack of information. Thick is elected to represent the public interest … She was doing her duty in demanding disclosure. The lawyer representing the claim for more favorable zoning said Thick was "wasting our time."
In the times, when most are becoming sensitive to the need of increased understanding of democracy, one wonders about the comfort level in the council chamber which was conducive to such a remark in response to a call for disclosure.
Planning in Polson has been compromised. I would like to know why.
Margie Hendricks
Polson