One of the most controversial issues to bedevil the Clinton Township Board of Supervisors has been the proposed amendment to their building registration ordinance. If passed, the ordinance would allow properties as small as 45’ by 90’ to be built on. Prior to Wednesday’s regularly scheduled township meeting, the Supervisors hosted a public comment period so that citizens couls state their feelings on the ordinance. These feelings were almost wholly critical.

“In a nutshell, this ordinance is intended to address concerns involving preregulatory undersize lots,” said the township’s solicitor, Richard Henry. “It’s the understanding of the board that following adopton of the ordinance would change the buildability status of a number of lots.”

Kenneth Swann, a member of the Board of Directors of the Elk Lake Development Association, was the first to speak.

“I request on the behalf of the association that you vote against this ordinance,” Swann said.

Vick Vauter had a question on what would happen to pre-improved properties if the ordinance were denied.

“If my house burned down, would I need to apply for a variance to rebuild?”

Attorney Henry answered, “Any property owners on already improved properties should be allowed to rebuild in the same footprint.”

Waly Pierson feared that, if the variance were adopted, it would lead to architectural eyesores.

“You’re going to have all these narrow, 15-foot buildings because people will have to build a certain distance from the edges of their property,” he said.

Mike Farrell’s comments expressed concern over diminished property values.

“Property at the lake us purchased with the primary goal to keep things as nice as they can be,” he said. “We don’t want to turn this into Brooklyn. People buy the small lots as a buffer zone, to protect their privacy and maintain their lake view. If we let every 45x90 lot be buildable you’re going to see rowhouses, and property values will be driven into the ground.”

Jane Farrell, also opposed to the ordinance, had a different concern.

“The more building that takes place around the lake, the narrower the roads will get,” she said. “It’s tight back there for fire trucks and emergency vehicles as it is.”

During the regular meeting, the supervisors decided to wait to make a final decision on the ordinance.

“I’ve had my eyes opened,” said Supervisor Ronald Poska. “There are a lot of pros and cons to consider.”

Despite the fact that supervisor Kenneth Coles felt his mind was made up, they agreed to table the motion until a later meeting.