By Cassady Rosenblum
The Tucker County Planning Commission met Monday to continue discussing the Subdivision Ordinance they plan to present to the public in a series of four meetings beginning in late September. Following those roundtable discussions, the Tucker County Commissioners will then vote on whether to pass the new ordinance. Two out of three must vote yes for it to be approved.
The purpose of the proposed subdivision ordinance is to create sensible rules that any future developers must follow in Tucker County. Given the prospect of Hyperloop on the horizon, and changing labor trends that allow for more remote work, more developers are expected in Tucker County soon, and the Planning Commission wants to be ready for them. “We don’t need another Tuscan Ridge,” explained new committee member, Bill Shahan.
Shahan is serving out the term of Jesica Streets. He described himself as “born and raised” in Tucker County, and from the St. George area, which previously lacked representation on the committee. Shahan said he joined the Planning Commission to make sure people from St. George “have a say” in what goes on in Tucker County and are “treated fairly.” He said he agrees with the need for the subdivision ordinance, and wants to “protect the little guys” from any big organizations or big developers that may be coming to the county, as well as from any undue regulation.
The Planning Commission also discussed the need to reprioritize the issue of broadband after the subdivision ordinance is voted on. Committee member Tim McLean noted that “This influx of federal dollars won’t last forever,” and raised the possibility of working with a consultant or lobbyist to make sure some of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money flows to Tucker County for the purposes of broadband.