BROOKFIELD Trustee: Interest in zoning panel is lacking

Only four residents at a meeting said they'd serve on the proposed commission.
BROOKFIELD -- The issue of developing a planning and zoning commission in Brookfield Township got some support Monday night, but it wasn't enough to persuade trustees to put it on the November general-election ballot.
Although 13 people showed up to support the addition of an 11-member zoning commission, only four volunteered to serve on it.
"If we don't have the interest, then there is no sense in us putting it on the ballot," Trustee Phil Schmitt said.
One resident said she was hesitant to volunteer because she didn't know what was expected of zoning commission members.
Schmitt explained that being "fair-minded and level-headed" are the only qualifications a resident needs to be on the zoning board or the zoning board of appeals.
"There are places in California that tell you what color to paint your house; that's a little ridiculous," Schmitt said. "That's why we want level-headed people."
A zoning commission can rid the township of eyesores and keep out unwanted businesses, trustees said.
Objects to commission
Tony Delgros, who owns a bar in Brookfield, said he opposes establishing a zoning commission, calling it a waste of taxpayers' money.
"There hasn't been zoning here for a long time," Delgros said. "It's just going to cost the taxpayers more money."
Any Brookfield residents who would like to get the issue of developing a planning and zoning commission on the ballot in November should stop by the office in the administration building and ask to sign the petition.
If enough interest is developed in the next couple of months, trustees said they will have another meeting to hear concerns of people on both sides of the issue in May.