Over my 12 years on the council, I think I can probably count on one hand the total number of truly effective comments made during public hearings. I am not referring to the public comment section of the meeting, but in public hearings when you can weigh in on a specific issue such as an ordinance change, annexation, rezoning etc.
I think the main problem that people face is lack of understanding of the process and preparation for the process. Normally the people who speak have a vested interest in the topic. Often they live near a parcel of land which is being rezoned to a non-residential designation and they are either angry or nervous about what may be built on the land. They come to the meeting completely unprepared and speak emotionally. Hopefully these tips will help you make an impact the next time you speak at a public hearing, specifically if it involves a rezoning:
1- Understand the purpose of the public hearing. It is to get input on whether or not you feel that the uses in that new zoning classification are appropriate for that parcel.
2- Understand all the uses in the zoning classification. This info can be found in the UDO on the town website. Make your comments based on all the potential uses.
3- Understand the attributes of the landscaping requirements.
4- The public hearing only addresses the scope of uses within the zoning classification, not the proposed specific use.
5- Know the zoning classifications of adjacent properties.
If you do your homework, prepare and make valid points, the council will be able to use your input and they may even vote the way you want!
If you are ever faced with this, I would be happy to help coach you through the process.
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