The title of the article,” Which Way will we go?” asks a question that should be on everyone’s mind if they live in Jefferson County. The article highlights some of the final information included in the recently presented Jefferson County Community Survey. Responses clearly show that the majority of the 1,916 citizens who completed the survey want the character of Jefferson County to remain the same.
Some major points and recommendations that were included in the survey results:
Zoning
Most respondents cited the need for revisions in present zoning. Over 90 percent of the respondents feel a need for more zoning on commercial and industrial development. Most see a need for revision and adjustment of the present A-1 zone. The Jefferson County Zoning Board is operating under a land use plan developed for 2010-2020. A lot has changed in Jefferson County since then. Follow the link to see the present land use plan. The board has been working on changes for at least one year with little progress being made. The seven-member board consists of two county commissioners and five citizens. The five citizens also serve as the Board of Zoning Appeals. All members are appointed by the county mayor and approved by the county commission.
Conservation Subdivisions
These planned land uses allow for more thoughtful use of the land. See the following link for a detailed description of how a conservation subdivision works.
https://dpla.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1021/2017/06/G3307-01_gocmen.pdf
Conservation Easements
Conservation Easements allow a way to preserve farmland into perpetuity. The Foothills Land Conservancy is a leader in this effort.
It is important that every citizen pay attention to the events that are shaping our county currently. We do not have much time to gain control of the economic forces that will dictate the quality of life in Jefferson County in our shared future.