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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 21 August 2009 |
“The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly on the Plain.” We all remember that elementary rhyme and at the same time know that rain in McCreary County has no plain to fall on. It hits the hillsides and rushes down the hollows into the creeks and rivers along the bottomlands. Even on the “Plateau,” rain can sometimes create situations even the good hands at Allstate can’t pull us from.
The Fiscal Court has failed to pass a state and federally proposed ordinance that would regulate construction methods of structures located in flood zones across the county. The ordinance does not say that you cannot build in these areas, but that you must build to certain flood-resistance standards.
The federal government is telling us that if we do not impose the measure, they will withhold all federal disaster monies from this county. Floods wash out the Yamacraw Bridge…sorry. Tornado rips down every building in Whitley City…oops. Earthquake opens the ground and swallows Pine Knot whole…well, you get the picture.
Magistrate Roger Phillips led the naysayers on the court against this measure (and against the urging of Judge Phillips to pass it) claiming he can’t tell citizens what they can and cannot do with their property. Well, Magistrate Phillips, as a government entity that is your job.
Sometimes it is not telling us what to do, but ensuring our protection, including protection from neighbors, and especially natural disasters.
The truth of the matter is the ordinance would affect very few areas in the county and presumably very few people, because most recognize what will eventually happen if they build a home in a flood zone. The truth of the matter is the court’s nearsightedness on this issue could cost this county millions in assistance should a major disaster occur.
It is well past the time this county and its leaders recognize the importance of smart land use and planning. We are nearly one of the last places in America to realize this and have more of a need probably than anyone.
Less than 30 percent of the land in this county is in private hands. Less than 10 percent of that could actually be developed (accounting for hillsides, waterways, etc.) If we are to see development occur in this community; new homes, businesses, industry, then we must plan for that and instill land use regulations that would ensure everyone’s investment, not only from disasters, but from themselves and their neighbors as well.
Around six years ago, Judge Phillips stood on an island and proposed a nuisance ordinance that would have took the first step in land use in this county. He simply wanted residents to get rid of the garbage on their lawns, the junk cars in the front yard and to tear down the burned-out, dilapidated buildings. He, like the cars he was after, was nearly knocked off his blocks when he proposed such a measure. It could have been the best thing to happen to this county during his time in office.
Who wants to build a home with insecurity of not knowing what the future will bring of your neighbors property? Who wants to bring industry to the area when their million-dollar investment is essentially unsecured? Who wants to live in any community to know that if disaster strikes, there is no chance for recovery?
Sometimes, being in government requires more farsightedness then the vision you use to fix every little road across every little knob in this county. Sometimes, especially in election years, you, our elected fiscal court members, need to do what is right, not only what is popular. And, sometimes, you have to realize the rain does not always fall on the plain, no matter where in the world we live.
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