Thoughts on Proposed Dollar General in Floyd Knobs.

What do we do about the present situation in regards to the proposed Dollar General at 3750 Paoli Pike?

How do we find the correct balance between individual property rights, and the rights of individuals acting in the capacity of a community?  This is ultimately the question before those who are for and against the proposed Dollar General.

On the one hand, we have the property owners desire to sale the property they no longer wish to own.  A property that has been in their family for some time.  On the other hand, we have growing opposition to the proposed development of a Dollar General.  How do we find a way that serves everyone's interest in this matter?

First of all, the point needs to be made that the property owners are not developing the Dollar General of their own accord, but they are selling the property to an outside developer. It has been noted from news outlets that no other buyers have come forward willing to purchase the property other then Curt Rafferty of Bowling Green Kentucky for the desired sum the sellers are demanding.   

One solutions would be for one or more parties who oppose the development of the Dollar General to come forward and purchase the property.  This has become a little more complicated do to the fact that the property is now under a sales contract, and both parties have due process under law, but due to the nature of the development it now must go through zoning approvals.

This is where being a lawyer, understanding property rights, and understanding the history behind zoning law would pay off.  What little I do know of each thing is that zoning laws are put in place to safe guard both individual property rights, and property rights of individuals living in a community.  It is one reason that any zoning changes require the notification of all adjoining property owners, but the nature of this development goes beyond just the adjoining property owners. The nature of this plan unit development effects a community's ability to shape its larger environment, and shape its future going forward.

The main element to the growing opposition revolves around the zoning change from residential to commercial and the subsequent Dollar General being built.  This is where opponents of the development would benefit from a singular focus from one that is currently fragmented. Is it just the Dollar General that's opposed, or is it any retail space?  Or is opposition due to the close proximity of Indian Creek?  There is currently numerous structures closer to the creek than the proposed Dollar General.  Are opponents considering that building a single retail structure on 9 acres will cause sprawl, and a more concentrated development of the property would give a sense of place to downtown Floyd Knobs, thereby controlling sprawl and making a more concentrated commercial district?  Or do some opponents care less what gets developed there, and their concern is only for the historic home?

And what about the current property owners?  The family wishes to sale the property, and has a right to do so.  Do we as community turn a blind eye to the cost associated with keeping the property?  If approval is denied, should a local fund be created to offset the future cost to the current owners until a solution is found?  Wouldn't this go a long way towards goodwill on opponents' part.  Or is their intransigence preventing them from anteing up when it counts?