WIUM Local
(2007-07-24)
Most of the people in the standing room only crowd opposed the dust-free surfaces ordinance.
The ordinance would require driveways, parking lots, and other off-street parking areas to be paved. It's sometimes referred to as the dust-free surfaces ordinance.
A standing room only crowd packed the city council chambers for the Committee of the Whole meeting. About 20 people spoke. Most opposed the ordinance.
Opponents say it would be expensive for homeowners to pave their driveways. Others contend it will drive businesses out of town.
One person spoke in support of the law. He says it was enacted 10 years ago because some property owners were dumping loose gravel into their yards and calling it a parking lot. He says those sites looked like crap.
Additional information:
*Aldermen are expected to take a final vote on August 6. They could choose to abolish the ordinance, keep it in place as it's now written, or amend it.
*The city now says just a simple majority will be needed to override the planning commission's recommendation to basically get rid of the law. The city says a supermajority is required to override a decision regarding a permit. But in this case, aldermen are reviewing an ordinance issue, not a permit issue. © Copyright 2013, wium
