County should decide on zones

Dear editor:

In regards to the proposed rezone from Ag to Heavy Industrial, if Elmore County needs another Heavy Industrial/Manufacturing zone, shouldn't the county commissioners, planning and zoning commission, and the citizens of Elmore County be selecting that site, not a potential developer?

It would seem more sensible to have people familiar with the county make that very important determination. The county commissioners owe it to the citizens of this county to make sure any lands to be developed as Heavy Industrial/Manufacturing can, in fact, support that type of use.

This should be done using professional evaluators to test and report on the geological stability, hydrology, soils makeup, drainage and environmental issues concerning selected potential sites, as well as determining infrastructure suitability including freeway and rail access, existing roadways, water availability, sewage treatment, adequate electrical power etc.

These professional evaluators should be hired by the commissioners as any reports from potential developers or their opposition could be considered biased in their favor.

Rather than make a hasty decision, I would encourage the commissioners to appoint a committee to locate potential new Heavy Industrial/Manufacturing zones and thoroughly investigate these areas to find the site or sites in the county best suited for this highly sensitive use.

At this time, the commissioners do not have their own unbiased reports concerning the suitability of the lands being considered for rezone to Heavy Industrial/Manufacturing.

This is too important a decision to make without gathering and evaluating the necessary information needed to make an informed choice.

We should all encourage the commissioners to take the necessary time and steps to make the best, most informed decision for the citizens of Elmore County.

Nancy Blanksma

Hammett