Explore county zoning

I and others choose to live in the incorporated city limits of Cape Girardeau for many reasons, one of which includes zoning and development regulations. There are many others who choose to live in the unincorporated areas of Cape Girardeau County because there are not zoning and development regulations. Once again there are residents of the county upset because someone has purchased property and they do not agree with the proposed use of the property.

The company intending to develop land for a quarry has every right to do so if the necessary permits are obtained from the state -- just like the person who builds a home in the unincorporated areas of the county has every right to do so without anyone regulating how it is constructed or what purpose it is lawfully used for.

It seems that county residents are not for zoning unless it is a use in their backyard that they don't like it. A well-thought-out, organized approach to county zoning is important to the future of our county. It is time for all county residents to embrace the zoning concept. Residents need to encourage and support our county commission to explore a basic zoning and development code that would identify planned development areas such as agricultural, heavy industry, manufacturing and residential.

Until a county zoning ordinance, is adopted, residents have no basis to oppose any project that is currently allowed by law.

CHARLIE HERBST, Cape Girardeau