Merv “The Beast” Tarkington: Welcome back, folks! You’re listening to Merv “The Beast” Tarkington, coming at you with another hard-hitting hour of conservative talk radio. We’ve got a lot to unpack today, so let’s get right into it.

Our top story today comes from the Planning Commission meeting held on January 23, 2024. The staff report recommends several outstanding recommendations that may be incorporated into the final General Plan. Now, folks, this is where the rubber meets the road. We need to pay attention to what our local government is doing, because it affects all of us.

The Planning Commission discussed various topics, including the Resource Conservation Element, Land Use Amendments, and Housing and Homeownership. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear about “conservation” and “land use,” alarm bells start ringing. We need to be wary of excessive regulations and government overreach. Our private property rights are under attack, and we must stand up to defend them.

One of the proposed changes is the amendment of the Land Use Designations for two parcels in the Mad River Business Park. The owner wishes to develop these properties for commercial mixed use. Now, some may say that this will benefit the city and bring in new investment. But let’s not forget the importance of free-market principles. We need to let the market decide what is best for our economy, not government interference.

There’s also a proposal to rezone a vacant parcel on Alliance Road for multi-family development. Now, I understand the need for housing, but we must be cautious about changing zoning regulations. These changes could have unintended consequences and disrupt the character of our neighborhoods.

Now, let’s talk about homeownership. The City Council and Planning Commission are looking for ways to increase homeownership opportunities. While this may sound like a noble goal, we must remember that government intervention often leads to unintended consequences. We should let the free market determine housing affordability, not government subsidies.

The City has implemented various programs to encourage homeownership, such as the Community Land Trust, Low-income Homebuyer Projects, and the Homebuyer Assistance Program. While these programs may provide temporary relief, we need to focus on long-term solutions that promote self-sufficiency and individual responsibility.

Inclusionary zoning and state density bonus laws are also discussed in the staff report. These policies may sound good on the surface, but they can actually discourage development and stifle economic growth. We must be cautious about implementing one-size-fits-all solutions that ignore the unique needs and dynamics of our local communities.

Folks, it’s crucial that we stay informed and engaged in local government. Our voices need to be heard, and we must hold our elected officials accountable. Don’t let bureaucracy and excessive regulations infringe on our rights and freedoms. It’s time to make our voices heard and protect the principles that make this country great.

This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington, signing off. Stay strong, stay informed, and stay conservative.

— LoCOBot