To the editor:
Lost in all of this legal wrangling is the overall intent and governance of the Zoning Board and the ZBA. It is not the goal of either of these non-paid volunteer civic groups to deny any person or group of their constitutional rights or privileges, but rather to be a thoughtful, guiding influence for the continued growth of our community and local businesses. Their stewardship has provided a reflective and considerate perspective that has allowed our village to prosper. When the VanSteenhouses chose to move to the county and also add their resources to the area, they knowingly purchased retail space which is a part of the Leland central business district master plan. Both Zoning Boards, who are comprised of local folks with longstanding ties and local knowledge and history, have rightly decided that YFC at that location does not fit.
For the VanSteenhouses to attempt to impose their will on the community after these two decisions is burdensome and a needless financial drain for all of us. Why not convert Trishes Dishes or purchase Becky Thatcher’s building and convert that to a desired “clubhouse” or church space? Part of honoring your calling also is an expectation to listen to your neighbors, and not behave like conquering Romans of some 2,000 years ago. Let’s adhere to the popular wristbands of some years ago: WWJD. Or to quote the late Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along?”
