Zoning proposal ignites dispute

FARMINGTON — A proposed zoning ordinance defining for the first time "neighborhood mixed use" has become the touchstone for a controversy that pits rural tradition against new money.

Hundreds of residents packed a public hearing this week on a proposal some fear will pave the way for a makeover of 36 acres, long characterized as agricultural, with large residential lots.

While the hearing technically had nothing to do with the development, the passage of the ordinance could bring developers one step closer to making their project a reality. The project — dubbed Old Farm — calls for high-end retail, a Harmon's grocery store and residential housing, and is seen as one way to stave off big-box development. The area is the only sizable open space left that is east of U-89 and west of north Main Street.

Passage of the proposed ordinance — which was unanimously endorsed by the city's five member planning commission — would also free up the property's four owners, who say it's time the land was put to practical and reasonable commercial use.

"There's just about as much risk to Farmington becoming over-commercialized as me becoming a starting guard for the Green Bay Packers. It just ain't going to happen," said one supporter, Paul Hayward.

Harv Jeppsen, who has a Victorian-style home on a parcel of the property, says he is willing to sell because "we have people in this town choosing between food and medicine."

Others see the ordinance and the looming development as a betrayal of the very reasons they made Farmington their home.

"I think I am part of the large group of people who did not move to Farmington for the stores and restaurants," said Dan Anderson.

Much of the controversy stems from the city's master plan designation of four pieces of property as neighborhood mixed use, a designation that failed to define zoning regulations — which now await adoption by city officials.

The council delayed any action on the ordinance, instead opting to set another public hearing for September.

"It's a messy, sticky, yucky situation," resident Chris Snyder said, summing it all up.

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