Who needs planning and zoning
Planning and zoning has done more to keep jobs out of the municipalities than anything else in Fayette County. From what I’ve read, 95 out of 100 new business fold up and close within the first five years. Normally, new business starts up in a spare room, garage or basement, as these new businesses usually are started without much money. So costs are critical.
Of course, starting any business in places like that is illegal in Fayette County unless you jump through all the hoops of planning and zoning, which can cost quite a chunk of money and time.
I personally know of two self-started small businesses in Springhill Township that were forced out by planning and zoning, and I have no doubt there have been others.
One of those businesses relocated in another municipality and now employs several people. The other went out of business.
Planning and zoning wants all business located in certain areas. For those of you that work, you know how bad the traffic is becoming in those areas.
There are also the odds that only one new business out of 1,000 that makes it through the first five years will eventually become a large employer.
With the way jobs are being lost in this country, being sent where labor and costs are cheaper, we need to do everything to help create new business.
Currently, the thing seems to be to try to steal business that currently operate in other places through things like the Keystone Opportunity Zones.
A better idea would be to convert planning and zoning to planning-only, with their job to be helping startup and small business.
These types could use planning help in simple things from how to meet state requirements, payroll, workers’ compensation and how to expand, including bigger locations if the business expands.
It sure would be nice if someone from planning showed up and you knew they where here to help and not create even more problems for you.
You no longer own property! You either pay taxes or lose it to someone who will. You can do almost nothing on your taxed property without paying for permits.
Think of the old-fashion mob rule, where you had to pay protection money to be left alone, and notice the similarity between that and planning and zoning.
The people never asked for planning and zoning, but we got it so we lose more freedom.
A great idea would be to put a question on the ballot asking if the people wanted planning or zoning, or not. Municipalities should have a choice of whether or not if they want the county planning and zoning.
Planning and zoning requires a subdivision when you build a house on property where there is already a house. Why? You are already restricted to whatever the sewage man says is acceptable, so why must property be subdivided?
Could it be because of the old saying that it is easier to divide and conquer?
Many municipalities don’t put in their own planning and zoning because of cost. But it is interesting to notice that those who have their own planning and zoning have to pay the same county tax rate as those who don’t have planning and zoning.
So that means the county is still charging them even though they are not providing the service.
And what will happen when the county eventually loses a big-time planning and zoning decision that will cost enough that the county will have to raise taxes to pay for it?
Everyone will have to pay whether you have your own planning and zoning or not.
Bill Sines resides in Springhill Township.