Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied – An Opinion by John Ryan
Peru – The accompanying photo depicts the scene at the January 15th Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting. The Board, an applicant seeking a use variance to start a new business, his attorney and several of his supporters were present. By law the Zoning Board should have five members; however a resignation resulted in it currently having only four members. As sometimes happens a Board member had a valid reason for not being present; therefore, an unanimous 3-0 vote would have been required for the variance’s approval. To almost no one’s surprise, the applicant and his attorney requested that the matter be delayed until the Board’s February 19th meeting.
Why is a complete Zoning Board important to you? The business and residential matters they consider oftentimes result in an expanded tax base and lower taxes for us all. New buildings are constructed and older buildings are renovated. Jobs are created. Our community becomes a better place to live. Very importantly, applicants deserve a timely hearing. As the saying goes, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
The problem can easily solved. Smart, public spirited Peru residents must make time to serve on either the Zoning Board or the Planning Board. The “other” guy or gal is not going to volunteer. It’s up to you.
Applying is easy. Submit a letter of interest with a brief biography and your phone number to Planning/Zoning Board Secretary Darlene Grigware, Peru Town Hall, 3036 Main St. For more information call Darlene at 518-643-2745 Ext. 6 or email zoning secretary@perutown.com for information.
Posted: January 19th, 2020 under Business News, Planning Board News, Town Board News, Zoning Board News.