As the nation's economy keeps on humming, new homes, shops and factories are sprouting up all over. In our own area, projects such as the long-anticipated downtown Oneonta hotel have been greeted with open arms. Others, such as a proposed softball camp for girls, met with less enthusiasm. Clearly, residents are divided about how and whether we can preserve the region's rural charm while still welcoming new businesses. There is, of course, no single correct answer to these important questions.
Some projects are more worthwhile than others.
And some may seem appealing to everyone except the folks who will have to live right near them. Four villages have zoning laws. Another four communities require a site-plan review. That leaves eight towns and five villages in which there aren't any land-use laws whatsoever. Carlton said the county doesn't push communities to create laws but offers assistance if officials decide they want to do so.