DCPREZ-0000-07486 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As can be seen from the "Soil Productivity and Classification" map (attachment C), parcel 7486 is located on land designated by the Roxbury Land Use Plan as"Farmland of Statewide Significance" defined as"land in addition to prime and unique farmlands that is of statewide importance". This is a designation for which"no subdivisions" shall be allowed (Agricultural Policy#2 on attachment B). Barring compelling interests or qualifications under the exceptions, the rezoning request should also be denied on this basis alone. Parcel 7486 is also located on land classified as "Severe" according to the"Soils Limited for Septic Tank Absorption Fields" map (attachment D). According to the legend of this map, "Severe means soil properties are so unfavorable and so difficult to correct or overcome as to require major soil reclamation, special designs or intensive maintenance". The parcel is well beyond the Roxbury Sanitary District (where residential parcels and developments are currently available). This rezoning request should be denied absent the assertion that such extraordinary reclamation or design will be utilized and will protect this already relatively densely populated stretch from environmental degradation and a fouled water table. My final point relates to the bad faith manner in which the Town of Roxbury pursued this rezoning request. The town council chairperson's assertion that he does not know why the closest neighbors did not receive notification of the rezoning request is suspect. At the earlier hearing before the county committee, testimony was offered in favor of the request to the effect that"Everyone else was there and no one had a problem." For the record, neither the Ramsdens, the Bethels, the Blessings, the O'Malleys, the Gruenwalds or the current owners of the residence adjacent to the east of parcel 7486 (six of the seven closest neighbors (see attachment E)were aware of the rezoning request until Dane County sent out notification. There has been no reasonable explanation offered by the town council chairperson. "I don't know why you weren't notified, you were on the list."has been his most informative if less than satisfactory response. This rezoning request and the process used by Roxbury is nothing short of a test of Dane County's will to guide rural development according to established local land use plans in an atmosphere of inclusive government. Adherence to land use development plans and maintenance of open government must prevail in all cases, including those related to the interests of entrenched and interlocked large farm and land owners. I respectfully request that the Zoning and Natural Resources Committee request that the Dane County Board reject the rezoning request for parcel 7486 as contrary to the Roxbury Land Use Plan and the broader interests of the people of Dane County. Sincerely, 1/114‘ Mark Ramsden, Ph.D. cc: Ervin Breunig, Roxbury Town Council Chairperson