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Re: Land-use struggles




There are similar, and well-meaning zoning regulations 
here in Boulder County, Colo. Of course, any law or regulation
is often subject to the whims of those who administer same. 
While I'm generally supportive of efforts to preserve open space
between towns as well as farm land, it can turn into a situation 
where 'everyone' wants the farms preserved, but the neighbors 
(often former city folk) don't want to put up with the stuff that
goes along with *real* agriculture like smells, animal noises, 
'unsightly' farm machinery and the like. What they really appear to 
want is open space consisting of idyllic Disneyland farms to preserve 
*their* rural lifestyles. 

So beware of land use regulations written by well-heeled former city 
yuppies that look great on the surface but don't support real agriculture
at all- they just want free 'parks' to increase the value of their 
properties in the sticks, not real farms. As can be seen by the Oregon
example, the regulations must have been written by those with no agricultural 
experience or knowlege and enforced by those who have a similar lack 
of expertise. Don't fall for the same trap there in Michigan. 


-BK

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People in groups decide courses of action 
which as individuals they know are stupid.
-Abilene's Paradox
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