Our View: Reforming the Planning Commission Should Now be a Top Priority
Planning Commissions are perhaps one of the most critical boards any community can have. Largely made up of volunteer citizens, these commissions hold authority and responsibilities concerning land usage within their respective communities. They play a crucial role in recommending re-zoning applications and plat layouts to their city councils. Furthermore, they are often called upon to provide valuable insights into significant documents, such as a community's comprehensive plan.
In Troy, the Planning Commission's role is further amplified within the historic heart of downtown. Here, they oversee modifications ranging from the aesthetic—such as paint colors—to the preservation of our architectural heritage, deciding the fate of buildings that embody the spirit of our past.
Our attention was captured by a startling revelation from one of the seven members of Troy's Planning Commission, shared on social media on March 21st:
The essence of the Planning Commission's mandate is the diligent enforcement of Codes and Ordinances pivotal to planning, development, and the preservation of our historical legacy. This duty underscores the city's vested interest in the destiny of structures within the historic district. The assertion that "The city has no interest" in these matters stands in stark contradiction to this responsibility.
The duty to uphold the law extends from the highest echelons of our government to the local level, including our city's Mayor, tasked with the enforcement of codes and ordinances. This role inherently involves a commitment to ensuring compliance with these laws, including the crucial decisions regarding the preservation or demolition of our buildings.
If the Mayor passionately advocates for a particular stance, it is within her purview to propose amendments to the City's Code of Ordinances concerning historic preservation. Such actions could address the the Planning Commission's seemingly arbitrary decisions regarding exterior modifications to downtown buildings. Yet, no steps have been taken in this direction.
The structure of Troy's Planning Commission is outlined by state law, specifically the Ohio Revised Code, Section 713.01, which details the commission's composition and the appointment process for its members. This legislative framework provides a foundation for our current practices but also opens the door to reform. The opening two sentences of this section are as follows:
The legislative authority of each city having a board of park commissioners may establish a city planning commission of seven members, consisting of the mayor, the director of public service, the president of the board of park commissioners, two citizens of the municipal corporation, and two public members who shall serve without compensation and shall be appointed by the mayor for terms of six years each, except that the term of two of the members of the first commission shall be for three years. The legislative authority may, by resolution, change the number of citizen members to an even number of members, not less than four nor more than twelve.
This newsletter champions the call for reform within the City’s Planning Commission. A proposal worth considering is the transition of the Director of Public Service and Safety and the Mayor to ex-officio members of the Commission. In this role, they would contribute their expertise and perspectives without holding voting power, a practice not uncommon in various governance and nonprofit boards. This suggestion does not stem from a novel interpretation of the law but rather a reevaluation of their participation to enhance the commission's basic functions.
Whether or not the time for reform has arrived, it is undeniable that our community stands at a crossroads. It is imperative that we engage in open, mature discussions about the reforms necessary to ensure our Planning Commission can effectively navigate the challenges of development and preservation that lie ahead.
What are your thoughts? Please feel free to leave them in the comment section.
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