I don't write much about local issues, if for no other reason than they tend to exist beyond the purvue of this blog. There is something, however, that I want to bring to the attention of readers here. The local newspaper, The Rockford Register-Star, has an ongoing series called "Trash Tracker". After taking calls from neighbors, they investigate cases where property owners may be in violation of various city ordinances and zoning laws concerning their property. On the one hand, the cases they print tend to be the most egregious - property filled with trash, run-down, the occasional part-time crackhouse. They tend to take the time to call property owners, the city, check various ordinances to make sure that more is going on than simple neighborly rivalry.
Yet, it would seem that the potential for abuse is clear. More important for me is the whole issue of property rights versus the rights of the city to ensure a safe and clean environment. At what point do various zoning ordinances transgress from simply making sure there is a good balance between residential and commercial development, and telling people what to do on property that they own. One simple case in point - what bout the idea that it is necessary to get a permit to do construction on one's own property, including construction that would demonstrably improve the value of the property, and those around it? The process is long and complicated (having recently gone through this process with one of my wife's churches, I can speak from experience), and never completely assured of success.
The position of the editorial board is pretty clear - they are looking to enhance the beauty of the City of Rockford. Yet, at what price, including intrusion into the private property of city residents?
Any thoughts?
