LIBERTY — Public concern over zoning took center stage at the Liberty Town Board Meeting on Monday June 20.

Farmers from the town, which is currently drafting a zoning proposal that could rezone areas in White Sulphur Springs from Agricultural Use to Residential, came out to share their views on the proposed changes.

“My colleagues and I are dismayed and baffled over the changes,” John Wombacher said. Wombacher has 15 acres of tillable land near Walnut Mountain. “In my opinion we should do everything to support local farmers.”

Benjamin Putland and Christy McCabe recently moved to the area and bought 25 acres in White Sulphur Springs with hopes of starting an orchard to produce apples, grapes, and someday wine. Putland's main point at the meeting was his disappointment in the Town Board's failure to notify those in areas of proposed zoning changes.

“I'm actually really disappointed in the consultation I've received, which is nothing. I feel it's a miscarriage of justice,” Putland said. “I think this is unjust and you're trying to drive this plan through.”

Sean Zigmund of Root N' Roost Farm in White Sulphur Springs felt that the Town Board wasn't respecting those present to share their opinions. “It falls on you to make the changes and put them into law,” said Zigmund. “I think you should slow down.”

The board acknowledged the additional comments made by Eugene Thalmann, LeeAnna Maniace, and Hayleigh and Frank Decker, putting them into the public record on the zoning changes to review when the Board next edits the draft of the proposed zoning before moving onto the rest of the meeting's agenda.

“This board is trying to create a balance between the agriculture and a town with an economically sustainable tax base,” said Supervisor Charlie Barbuti, who also offered his office hours every Wednesday for those concerned about zoning to visit and talk about any issues regarding the zoning draft.

The Town of Liberty also heard from Anne Waling from Cypress Creek Renewables who gave an informational presentation regarding the commercial solar farms her company is looking to bring into Liberty. The community scale solar would allow the company to sell alternative energy directly to the consumers rather than through a utility company.

The Town Board later opted to adopt a moratorium to gain additional time to determine how to proceed with proposed solar farms and how to code those farms appropriately.

The town will continue to hold public information meetings regarding zoning with the hope of finalizing all zoning documents in September. Residents can send any comments, concerns or suggestions via email to c.barbuti@townofliberty.org or fax to 292-1310.