Public forum set for Troup zoning

The public's first opportunity for input on a possible zoning ordinance for the City of Troup will be Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting chamber of Troup ISD. A public forum will be held on that evening where citizens are invited and encouraged to come and see the map and hear what it means for their city and its future and express their thoughts.

The council will hold at least one workshop, if not more, to take those comments under advisement and make any changes or modifications necessary to best meet the needs and wishes of the citizens of Troup.

"We want to protect current property owners so they don't have an undesirable situation created in their back yard," Mayor John Whitsell said. "Our city is seeing residential growth and we want to see to it that neighborhoods develop properly."

The proposed zoning map debuted in the Tri County Leader Feb. 28 and was posted at the Troup Chamber of Commerce banquet that same date. Those in attendance got their first glance at the beginning road map to Troup's future when it comes to housing and development.

"This map is just a place to start," Whitsell said. "We are asking for our citizens to take an active role in this important plan for our city's future."

This plan includes designat- ing areas such as single family residential districts, manufactured home districts, multi-family districts, commercial and manufacturing districts. Some of these areas are further broken down to be more specific.

"Zoning is important in order to attract favorable new home construction," Whitsell said. "At this time, our main focus will be residential housing."

Troup residents are encouraged to attend the public forum Tuesday night at 201 N. Carolina.