Zoning

Greenback Faces Legal Showdown Over Limestone Quarry Amid Community Outcry and Zoning Disputes

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Greenback, Tenn. — Tensions are rising in Greenback as legal battles unfold over the proposed development of a limestone quarry within the city limits. The Hutton Farm, known by locals and targeted for this development, has become a point of contention after the city filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing that the quarry could violate longstanding land use regulations. The quarrel began when quarry developers alleged their rights were compromised by new zoning ordinances enacted by Greenback earlier this year, which occurred shortly after they initiated work on the property. This pushback from the … Read more

Property Rights vs. Zoning Laws: Balancing Freedom and Community Well-being in the Latest Opinion Piece

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In a thought-provoking opinion piece recently published in the Times-Herald, Lawrence Reed challenges the very essence of property ownership under the weight of governmental restrictions, particularly zoning laws. His argument poses a fundamental question: does one truly own their property if they are heavily regulated in its use? Zoning laws, which dictate how landowners can use their properties, aim to ensure community harmony and maintain the quality of life by segregating properties according to specified uses. These regulations might prevent a factory from being built in a residential neighborhood, thus avoiding potential nuisances and hazards … Read more

Fight for Environmental Justice: Louisiana Parish Faces Lawsuit Over Racially Discriminative Industrial Zoning Practices

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NEW ORLEANS, LA — A pivotal civil rights lawsuit is underway as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans prepares to hear a case on Monday that accuses St. James Parish of intentionally situating polluting industries in predominantly Black neighborhoods. This case alleges racial discrimination in land-use policies which, the plaintiffs claim, protect white communities from environmental hazards while disproportionately impacting Black residents. Filed by local community groups including Inclusive Louisiana, Rise St. James, and Mt. Triumph Baptist Church, the lawsuit demands a cessation of further industrial development in the area. This legal … Read more

Lawsuit Over Preservation of Single-Family Zoning in Alexandria Set to Proceed to Trial

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Alexandria, Va. – A legal battle over the future of residential zoning in Alexandria is poised to escalate, with a lawsuit challenging the city’s plans to move away from single-family zoning expected to go to trial. The case underscores a growing debate on how best to handle housing shortages and urban development without sacrificing neighborhood character. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the city’s strategy could lead to oversized developments that strain infrastructure and alter the aesthetic of historically single-family neighborhoods. They assert that the preservation of these areas is crucial for maintaining community identity … Read more