Washburn: Is Monitor Way A White Elephant That Keeps On Coming?

The Monitor Way project seems to be escalating in controversy as it proceeds.

The first controversy involves the possibility of “spot zoning.” Anderson’s American Law of Zoning defines spot zoning as “the process of singling out a small parcel of land for a use classification totally different from that of the surrounding area for the benefit of the owner of such property and to the detriment of other owners.” Given that the Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance never envisioned housing units being proposed on this land it is reasonable to conclude that this may be spot zoning.

Then comes the road construction costs estimated in current dollars at $16M and a partial segment to be $4.67M. Have we ever experienced a cost estimate to come in at an estimated cost or below? Conspicuously missing is the cost of extending sewer and water and the possible necessity of expanding the distribution costs of both.

The biggest developer’s joke is that the $4.67M would be a community investment. Investor invest for a possibility of a return on their investment. There is none here for the community. Property taxes collected on residential property rarely exceed the cost of providing municipal and school services. When the developer provided tax revenue estimates he some how failed to provide the costs of providing municipal and school services so we have no idea what the net revenue might be if any.

With more than 3,000 residential units already approved and more coming on line, a question as to when the market demand for rental units will lesson or will Concord provide the rental units for the entire state?

Any change zoning change will have to come from the planning board after they hold a public hearing. Next would be a council majority vote after a public hearing to approve the change. However; a vote to bond improvements for the benefit of the Monitor Way project would require a 2/3 vote of the council after a public hearing, unlike the autonomous School Board.