GREENWOOD — A land management standards ordinance will go before voters at a special town meeting next week.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the town hall. Residents will decide whether to adopt the ordinance, which was designed to allow orderly development, appropriate land use, and conserve natural resources. The ordinance would replace a current document, less than a page in length, that focuses on lot sizes and building heights.

The ordinance would divide the town into village, general growth, woodland and resort development districts. It includes the outline for a permit process as well as a table outlining what types of development can take place in each district.

Supporters of the ordinance say that it is a necessary measure to protect the natural beauty of the town's lakes and hills. Opponents argue that the protections are in place through other ordinances and that the land management standards ordinance would inhibit property rights.

Two of the more controversial aspects of the ordinance have been removed and will be voted on as amendments to the document. Residents will decide whether to amend the ordinance with overlay districts that regulate development along Greenwood Road and on ridgelines.

Another article asks whether voters will discontinue a 140-foot section of Cole Road, leaving 456 feet of road to be maintained by the town.

mlangeveld@sunjournal.com