Re: ‘Hanover to vote on zoning amendments on May 12’
In response to Hanover planning, zoning and codes director Jennifer Murray suggesting in an interview with The Dartmouth that voters vote down Article 7 on the upcoming Hanover Town Warrant, I submit that the article passed last year — which Article 7 would undo — was an inappropriate “one-size-fits-all” regulation.
This year’s Article 7 is an attempt to pull back by making development more appropriate. It encourages duplexes and auxiliary dwelling units to help alleviate the existing housing shortage in all residential zones. Erecting sore thumb projects in single-family neighborhoods does not enhance our town. We encourage development that complements areas where it happens.
Duplexes add housing. The development and construction of new units will take time and should take into consideration the nature of the surrounding areas. Most neighborhoods have student rentals, but we need more than student housing. People who work in town also need housing. The College is doing a good job of expanding housing options on campus.
Smart growth is the goal. We hope that downtown Hanover does not become an urban area. We are a small but growing town, and we must expand intelligently. This issue affects students and long-term residents. Students come and go, but most of us are here for the long haul.
There was little time last year to educate the community about the ramifications of the article that was passed, and it was too much. This time we have a chance to take an appropriate approach to growth. Please consider supporting Article 7.
Janice Fischel has resided in Hanover since 1973. Letters to the editor represent the views of their author(s), which are not necessarily those of The Dartmouth.
