Choose city council members wisely

Choose city council members wisely
“Two public meetings, two votes, two different outcomes.” “ I was against the project but now I am for it.” “I said then, it’s not my first choice for our city but where it’s located on the west side of 75, the impact would be extremely small to the city. If it was on the east side of 75, I wouldn’t be for this.”
These statements were from elected officials that voted in favor of “A” truck stop.
But the issue is not “A” truck stop. It is a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that permits truck stops in any highway commercial zone in the city as a conditional use. That means the board of adjustments is the only stop the next truck stop has to make to open. East side of 75 at Barnes Road? East or west side of Highway 36? Having served on the City of Williamstown’s Board of Adjustments for three years, I’ve learned that you just can’t say no, we don’t want that one, yes we want this one. You have to make a decision based on findings of fact. Allowing “A” truck stop on the west side of Barnes Road, would put the current board of adjustments in a difficult spot to say no to the next truck stop.
Several people spoke in favor of “A” truck stop at the last meeting, most of whom do not call the city home. City residents only have a chance to speak on Nov. 6. I ask you to choose your city council members wisely.
John Bachman
Williamstown