Pinecrest voters reject pro charter amendment for zoning control
Most people in Pinecrest seem to like things the way they are.
Voters on Tuesday rejected a charter amendment that would have required a 60% referendum vote on any zoning or land use change in the city. A small group of residents were in favor. Elected officials and a larger group of residents fought the effort.
The status quo won decisively with 63% of the voters saying no.
“Tonight, Pinecrest gave a vote of confidence to our 27 years of professional and scandal-free government, to our Village Council, and to the democratic system that created the beautiful Village we love,” read a statement from Pinecrest Friends, a non-profit behind the political action committee that pushed the no vote.
The issue split the community like none other in Pinecrest’s short history, resulting in a 53% turnout for the mail-in only referendum.
Read related: Pinecrest referendum would put zoning, land use changes in the hands of voters
“Over the past few months, our community engaged in vigorous debate and residents expressed their opinions on both sides, resulting in high voter turnout. Thank you to everyone who voted, to the thousands who spoke out in person, online and by placing signs on their front lawns,” the statement reads. “Along the way, Pinecrest Friends has built a truly grassroots group of neighbors — and now friends — who will continue to stay engaged in protecting and preserving Pinecrest and our quality of life.
“We look forward to working together with all residents to keep Pinecrest a wonderful place to live.”
The critics of the referendum had said it was unnecessary because Pinecrest had already set limits of four stories at the highest and because Village voters already have the right to appeal a zoning change or variance with only a 50.01% vote.
Proponents said they didn’t trust the electeds of now or the future to keep density low.
These people, who were at each other’s throats, will now have to live together.