Action needed to fix city’s EDU problems

Dear editor,

I am writing to express my appreciation of this week’s planning and zoning committee’s meeting. There is a huge concern of EDUs, or Equivalent Dwelling Unit (1), which is defined as a single-family residential household). In short (no pun intended), there are limited EDUs available, and we are near running out for the systems that exist today.

Water and sewer are almost tapped out.

Kristopher Wallert, chairman of the planning and zoning commission, hesitantly offered his concerns about the issue and the need to act to fulfil the city’s obligation to its citizens. Christina Drake, Rob McCormic and William Roeder all expressed their concerns with the legal council’s guidance and Senior City Planner Brenda Ellis’ input.

A moratorium on building approvals should be put in place as it does not seem fair to developers that are approved. At this point, it would be a first come first served permit sold game.

P&Z must ask the city council to act on the matter ASAP to curtail and allow a slow down on approvals in a unbiased approach to moving forward. In essence, take care of the approved planned unit developments first until the EDU’s are exhausted.

We also need to build, repair and expand the city’s water and sewer systems for future growth. This decision is solely based on city council and must be placed on an upcoming agenda by the mayor.

If we are to grow smart, we need to take care of our basic needs ASAP. This has been an issue for years and we are now near the brim of disaster. Watch the planning and zoning’s recorded meetings the city posts on YouTube for clarification.

– Rod S. Dudley, Mountain Home