Revised Zoning Map Clarifies Land Uses

By Andrew Gorosko

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members are reviewing a revised town zoning map which seeks to more clearly delineate the locations of the many local land use zones than previously shown on earlier zoning maps.

Scott Sharlow, town technology and geographic information systems director, presented the revised version of the zoning map to P&Z members at a February 17 session.

Mr Sharlow projected a digital version of the large-scale map onto a wall of Shared Meeting Room #3 at the Newtown Municipal Center. A printed version of the map also was available.

Mr Sharlow explained that he has worked at length to compile all pertinent zoning information and depict it on a large map to better illustrate the relative positions of land use zones than previously shown on earlier zoning maps.

The revised zoning map is one component of the town’s broader geographic information systems (GIS) electronic mapping database.

The revised zoning map especially seeks to specify the boundary lines of adjacent zones, Mr Sharlow said.

The Borough Zoning Commission (BZC) already has approved a revised zoning map that depicts land use zones in the Borough of Newtown, he said.

The borough is a 2.3-square-mile tax district in central Newtown which has its own zoning commission. The P&Z, however, serves as the borough’s planning commission.

P&Z member Robert Mulholland urged that the P&Z obtain a durable printed copy of the revised zoning map for its reference at its twice-monthly meetings.

George Benson, town director of planning and land use, pointed out that the agency could digitally project an image of the zoning map at its meetings.

Mr Sharlow said a large copy of the zoning map could be printed on some high-density polyethylene sheet for durable reference use by the P&Z.

P&Z Chairman Lilla Dean said that creating a new version of the zoning map has been a lengthy process.

“We worked with you on this over a long period of time,” she told Mr Sharlow, commending him for his efforts.

Resident Robert Hall urged the new version of the town’s zoning map be the subject of public comment at a public hearing.

Ms Dean quickly agreed that a public hearing would be held. That hearing tentatively is scheduled for March 17.