Dear Councilwoman/man,

I am writing to you as a resident of the Town of Somers who is concerned with the proposed legislation to amend Chapter 167 of the Somers Town Code. As I understand it, this legislation will greatly impact the potential use of properties that are either currently in a Wetlands Buffer area, or will be, if the proposed legislation is enacted. I am concerned regarding the lack of scientific data and study to support the proposed legislation. 

Like most residents of the Town of Somers, I am concerned about protecting the environment, but feel that the current Town Code provides adequate protection to the Towns natural resources and is consistent with the codes used by other local governments and is compliant with County, State and Federal guidelines on environmental protection. As a homeowner and taxpayer, I cannot help but be concerned with legislation that would potentially further restrict the use of my property. A law that would make the use of properties in the Town of Somers more restrictive than similar properties in adjacent towns could potentially decrease the value of those properties and subsequently the overall tax base of the town. 

The proposed legislation would place the actual domicile of many residents in the Buffer area. Theoretically, activities both outside and inside our homes could come under the review of the Town Government. We potentially would need the Town’s permission to plant a tree, even if the tree would benefit the environment. This seems inconsistent with the intent of the proposed legislation.

The proposed legislation removes the minimum area needed to define a Wetland. This means that any potential water source, even the smallest of springs or streams could lead to an area being designated a Wetland and the surrounding 150’ radius a Wetland Buffer. This raises the specter that property owners and/or potential property owners could be impacted by such over regulation thereby further decreasing the perceived value of property in the Town of Somers.

I live in a community that is greatly impacted by Wetlands and Wetland Buffers. I bought my property knowing that where the buffer area was, and was not. The proposal expand the buffer area and impose further restrictions on the use of property is not fair and, based on the lack scientific support, not warranted.

I strongly oppose the adoption of this proposed legislation and any like legislation that would needlessly impose undue restrictions on the property owners in the Town of Somers. I propose that the Town instead, focus its efforts on increasing awareness of environmental issues and protection of the environment. I would further proposed that the Town of Somers work with adjacent communities, the County, State and Federal authorities to identify the true source, if any, of environmental harm, and work on a strategic plan to address those much larger issues. The proposed changes to Section 167 and any other associated legislation is not the right path for Somers and could end up hurting not only the Town’s residents but the Town itself and conceivably the environment in the long run.

Respectfully
(your name address here)