Close Vote Expected on Land Use, Airbnb Restrictions in Davis
Plus, new cabin rentals available soon in Canaan Valley, a pizza restaurant opens in Thomas, and more
With a decisive vote just a week away, Davis officials say their community is deeply divided over whether to adopt new land use restrictions. Turnout will be key, they say.
“I can see it passing or losing by one or two votes,” said Keith Strausbaugh, president of the Davis Building Commission.
Davis Mayor Al Tomson agrees. “It’s going to be very close,” Tomson said.
The debate centers on a proposed zoning ordinance that would impose new restrictions on construction, land use, and business activity within town limits. A provision that would restrict short-term rentals (Airbnbs) is a key element of the proposed ordinance.
The ordinance would apply only to new construction and business activity; existing structures and businesses would be grandfathered and not affected.
Davis residents will vote on the ordinance on Saturday, June 8 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the town hall. Only Davis residents will be allowed to cast a ballot; second homeowners with a primary residence elsewhere aren't eligible to vote.
Managing growth
Supporters of the ordinance, including Tomson, say it is needed to effectively manage the growth that is inevitable as more new residents, second homeowners, and businesses are drawn to the area.
Opponents say the zoning ordinance would unduly restrict the rights of property owners.
Tomson said that 50 to 60 people typically vote in town elections. “We get very low turnout,” he said. He added that he expects turnout to be higher for the zoning vote.
Tomson declined to predict how the vote will go.
“I think it’s going down”
Strausbaugh said he thinks voters will reject the ordinance.
“Everybody I know or talk to will vote no,” he said. “I think it’s going down.”
However, Strausbaugh acknowledged that the people he has talked to about the issue may not be a representative sample of town residents.
Building Commission member Cindy Robeson agrees that the proposed ordinance faces an uphill battle. “Most people I talk to are voting against it, as I am,” she said.
Robeson said that some opponents think this particular zoning ordinance would be too restrictive, while others oppose any zoning.
“I do hope it passes, because it seems to be the best way to maintain the small-town feeling.”
However, town council member Jess Tucker, who supports the ordinance, said he remains hopeful that it will be adopted.
“A lot of folks l talk to are for it, but there sure are some very loud folks against it,” Tucker said. “I do hope it passes, because it seems to be the best way to maintain the small-town feeling.”
More Details About Zoning and Short Term Rentals (Airbnbs)
As a service to the community, Country Roads News has removed the paywall from our April 25 edition, where we took a closer look at the issue of short-term rentals:
Also, click the link below to read our overview of the zoning ordinance.
Lastly, you can click the “Download” button below for a free five-page summary of the zoning ordinance.
Country Roads News hopes that you have found our coverage of these issues helpful as Davis residents make an important decision about the future of their community.
More News
Luxury Spa On Track for Autumn Opening; Rental Cabins Available Earlier
Managers of the Canaan Valley Spa and Wellness Center say the facility remains on track to open this fall, although they declined to provide a specific target date.
Country Roads News published the first in-depth profile of the facility four months ago. Click the link below for that story.
Luxury Spa, Fitness, and Lodging Development Aims for Big Impact in Canaan Valley
WBOY recently took a closer look at the cabins affiliated with the spa, reporting that managers of the development aim to begin renting the cabins in July. The luxury cabins will sleep up to four people and will cost $250 to $350 per night.
New Pizza Restaurant Opens in Thomas
One pizza joint goes away, and another rises.
Almost Heaven Pizza in Thomas opened on Memorial Day weekend, not long after Riverfront Wood Fired Pizza closed in the same location.
The restaurant offers wine and beer, and a pet-friendly patio, where “yappy hours” will begin soon.
Summer Fun Poll Results Are In
Country Roads News asked readers to choose their favorite summer event. ArtSpring was the winner of our unscientific survey, followed closely by the Mountain Bike Festival, which begins June 13.
The poll didn’t include the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival because it’s a new event this year. Judging by the crowds at the inaugural event, it’s off to a strong start.
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Please keep the debate respectful if you comment on a controversial issue.
And as always, thanks for reading.
Dan
Has anyone looked at the ballot that will be used in the election for or against zoning It appears that such ballot is slanted and biased and violates many cannons of a fair election. A ballot is to succinctly state the issue to be voted upon without comment Pat