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Hancock’s extensive new zoning ordinance is officially on the books.
After hearing from more than a dozen residents at a public hearing last evening, the city council voted 5-2 to enact the first major update to the code in a half century.
Citizen comments included concern about the “mixed use” designation given to areas along the Hancock waterfront. City Manager Mary Babcock explained that follows the city’s existing master plan…
Several isolated issues were brought up. Resident Frank Fiala felt those would be better addressed after the ordinance is in place…
Despite extensive news coverage of the process, several residents confessed that they had been unaware of the revision until recently. Councilor John Haeussler said there had been plenty of opportunity for citizens to get involved… [HAEUSSLER A].
Haeussler noted that anyone can sign up for the city’s email notification system…
In the end, five councilors felt that the ordinance was sufficiently polished to put it in place, and modify it in the future to address lingering issues. Councilors Rick Freeman and Whitney Warstler dissented, indicating they thought there were items that should still be addressed before passage.
All of the council members said they were open to talking with citizens and making adjustments to deal with ongoing concerns. Kurt Rickard was among several councilors who felt a focused discussion on the future of the waterfront should be next…
The new zoning ordinance will take effect in 30 days.
