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Stormwater rules championed, and vilified 6/6/03
Those divergent viewpoints clashed Wednesday night as the Clallam County Planning Commission opened the microphones for public comment on the new rules, which are designed to deal with a variety of issues related to stormwater. Even though it was beautiful evening outside, more than 100 people showed up to complain, and support the proposed rules, which would effect the development of both private and commercial property. Local realtors and builders complained that the rules would add thousands to the cost of a new home, ruining future opportunities for affordable housing in the county, and having an adverse impact today, when housing and construction is one of the few bright spots in a dismal economy. Not everyone seems doom and gloom in the regulations. Other speakers see the development rules as necessary for preserving water quality, and a price that must be paid to protect the environment. The planning commission will continue to take written public comment before deciding what to do with the stormwater regulations, which would ultimately end up in the lap of county commissioners. |