Our town is facing significant challenges due to recent overdevelopment. There's a trend of combining lots previously deemed non-buildable, which is placing a huge strain on our resources. This overdevelopment stretches our infrastructure thin and burdens emergency services, creating a risk for all residents.

Our town has ordinances in place designed to manage and control development, ensuring that it is consistent with our community's needs and sustainable growth. However, when waivers or reliefs are granted too liberally, especially beyond 20% of the established requirements, these controls become ineffective. This poses a serious threat not only to our immediate quality of life but also to the future sustainability and safety of our community.

The planning board and responsible officials must adhere strictly to our existing town ordinances. Any deviations, such as waivers or reliefs, should only be approved up to 20% of the requirements and only when they align with the overall comprehensive plan. This ensures developments are both necessary and beneficial, maintaining a balance with the town's capacity to support them.

Evidence from municipalities with similar challenges has shown that strict adherence to local ordinances helps maintain infrastructure integrity and service efficacy. Towns that have loosened these requirements often face increased maintenance costs, overstressed services, and citizen dissatisfaction.

It's crucial that we keep our town's best interest in mind and not allow short-term developments to jeopardize our long-term well-being. By signing this petition, you're advocating for sustainable development that respects our existing ordinances, protects our resources, and ensures a safe and thriving community for future generations. Please join me in urging our planning board to act responsibly and in accordance with our community's needs.  The goal is to leave the town better than we found it.