LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Posted July 21, 2018
Dear Editor:
I am writing to express my gratitude to the DeWitt County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). As was mentioned in a previous letter, the ZBA met on Monday evening July 16, 2018, to consider six proposed changes to the zoning ordinances for Commercial Wind Energy Conversion (wind turbines). Following nearly three hours of testimony, thoughtful and probing questions by members of the ZBA, and much discussion, the board adjourned, having voted on only 2 of the 6 text amendments.
The board reconvened on Wednesday night, July 18, and spent nearly five grueling hours listening to additional research and testimony, asking questions and having thoughtful discussion on the remaining four text amendments. As the night wore on and fatigue set in, I struggled to stay focused. I remember looking up at the board as midnight approached, and the interest and attentiveness of the board was as strong as when the hearing had begun hours earlier. I can still see the image in my mind of ZBA members leaning forward in their chairs and intently listening as speaker after speaker testified.
Many in the community will understandably be disappointed in the outcome of votes, as much time and energy has been spent by passionate citizens on both sides of the proposed ordinance changes. However, I couldn’t be more pleased with the preparedness and effort of the majority of ZBA board members. They have a difficult job, and they exceeded my expectations.
Regardless of how you feel on the issues discussed at the July ZBA hearing, I encourage everyone in the community to thank our ZBA members for their service to our community. It would be a shame for them to feel unappreciated, because we have a group of people giving up their personal time and looking out for us. The ZBA board members are:
Don Fugate, Andy Hedrick, John Griffin, Sarah Owens, Steve Perring, Mark Sterr and David Waters.
To the members of the ZBA, I thank you for your service!
Joe Witte
Waynesville, IL 61778
