LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- The controversy continues over the Lake Maumelle Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Today's THV has reported on two other stories regarding this plan. One, a story explaining the Watershed controversy, and another on the public hearing that was held in light of the controversy.
The Pulaski County Planning Board recommended the proposed zoning regulations on Tuesday, despite strong opposition from citizens at the meeting.
But the final decision rests with the Quorum Court.
Approximately 500 property owners who live in the watershed area are facing new zoning regulations, including a required permit for additions they make to their property.
The reason is to limit anything that might affect runoff into the lake. But property owners see this as an infringement on their rights.
Central Arkansas Water owns and operates Lake Maumelle. They strongly encouraged Pulaski County Planning Board to move forward an this plan.
And they did so unanimously on Tuesday, passing the final decision to the Quorum Court.
Don Castleberry, a member of the Pulaski County Planning and Development Board, stated property owners concerns are invalid because of misinformation on the project.
"Those small homeowners are almost going to be unaffected by this plan. And if anything their property values are probably going to be improved because what the plan does is make sure there won't be a sewage treatment plant or a hog-rendering plant or a feedlot or something in that watershed," Castleberry said.
He added that while the plan is flawed, it's better than no plan at all.
But those citizens in the packed room disagree. They say they've been left out of this entire process, and spoke their mind to the planning board on Tuesday.
Lorie White was among those residents.
"How would you like it if somebody was trying to impose these rules and regulations...strenuous of rules and regulations on your property? You can say that it would be okay, but I honestly think the day would come that you would say, no, you're not coming after my land. You're not going to take my property value away from me and tell me I'm not going to get anything for it and then I still have to pay the taxes on it," White said.
White was among more than 30 citizens who spoke for 3 minutes against the proposal. So the planning board only heard negative feedback for an hour-and-a-half.
The Quorum Court met Tuesday evening but they did not make a final decision.
The issue will be discussed at their meeting on December 20th. It is unclear if they will cast a vote on the plan at that meeting.