On behalf of the Kingston Planning Board, I am writing to ask for your support of Article 8 on this year's Town Warrant. With the help of a grant from the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership, Article 8 is the result of a one-year effort by the Planning Board and a hydrogeologic consultant to propose updates to the town's Aquifer Protection Ordinance. New data and scientific analyses have become available since the Ordinance was originally adopted in 1989, thus the Planning Board feels that an update to the Ordinance is appropriate at this time.
The revisions being proposed will improve the aquifer zoning overlay by creating two distinct Zones within the district. By doing this, the land overlying the highest quality (i.e. highest water yield potential) part of the aquifer receives the greatest protection, while limits on other parts of the District are somewhat less restrictive to allow for a wider variety and scope of land uses. The goal from the beginning of this process has been to provide continued protection of the underground water resource, while allowing fair and reasonable use of the land above it. The Planning Board believes this Ordinance revision accomplishes that goal.
Each mailing address in Kingston will be receiving a summary of the Ordinance changes by mail or newspaper insert. There will also be maps and information posted at the polling place on March 13. Kingston has long recognized its unique groundwater resource and has worked hard to protect it. The Planning Board respectfully requests your "Yes" vote on Article 8 to continue that support, and to offer greater economic opportunities in the community.
Glenn Coppelman
Vice-Chairman, Kingston Planning Board
Kingston
