Possible zoning change sparks debate

[Morgan Carter]

http://www.nmbtimes.com/nm/publish/news_1022.html

Possible zoning change sparks debate

Zoning carries a high importance in the developing a community. It sets the standard as to how a community will look in the present and the near future. Many times people do not notice how important it is for a community to have a sense of order or style when it comes to building. Zoning takes place within every subdivision, district, city, and state. Although it can cause many disagreements, it can also bring much peace.

In this article it has been discussed about allowing residents building mobile homes within a particular parcel.  Aaron Rucker, principal planner for the city of North Myrtle Beach, told the Planning Commission that his staff was proposing a zone change on .61 of an acre on Little River Neck Road to correct an original error in a zoning map. The parcel is currently zoned, in part at least, HC or highway commercial, while the remainder of the parcel is zoned R-3 or mobile/manufactured home residential. The current owner of the property has filed a request before the zoning board of appeals to allow construction of a single family home on the property. If the appeal is granted, it would require the builder to maintain a 10,000-foot lot and construct a retaining wall, among other requirements.

I completely understand why some of the residents would be concerned.  For the most part mobile homes are not what people want to see in their neighborhoods. They are known for being in low income communities, and they are not pleasing to the eye. If people were allowed to build these mobile homes it could possibly make a community go down. Mobile homes have been around for many years, but have yet to be looked at as a luxury home.

For the most part mobile homes are seen in the more rural areas or trailer parks. They are not found in gated communities. With mobile homes come a lot of negative factors. They have been tied with drugs, sex, alcohol, unemployment, and lack of education. This does not mean that every person who lives in a mobile home is a part of this group, but the majority stands. Zoning is so important for scenarios like these. It gives a community order and stability.