PARIS – Proposed changes to the town’s subdivision ordinance were aired this week during a public hearing before selectmen.

Not everyone was pleased by what they heard.

Developer Bob Ripley said some of the proposed changes were so stringent that it would force the price of developing land so high that local people would be unable to afford building or buying new homes.

“I try to make my lots so that the local people can live here, so my own kids can live here,” Ripley said. “That’s what I want.”

Rules such as new road regulations contained in the ordinance might raise the cost of developing lots, forcing developers to raise prices

The hearing required by state law to occur within 30 days of an upcoming local referendum on the proposed changes, was held in order to clarify the actions taken regarding the ordinance, as well as to gather public input.

Six of the the town’s seven-member ordinance committee attended the hearing Wednesday.

Selectman Raymond Glover said the main purpose of the hearing was to comply with state law and clarify or eliminate any language defects in the proposed ordinance.

The ordinance hasn’t been changed since it was implemented 31 years ago in 1976, committee members said. The committee also felt that the law was too complicated and obscure, which hampered efforts by selectmen to modify or amend it.

The update was designed to be, “in the best interest of all the citizens in town,” because it created, “an accountable document to work with,” according to Town Manager Sharon Jackson.

Though bound in part by state law, the committee may update and expand upon the existing subdivision ordinance before putting it up for referendum.

The updated ordinance goes to referendum on June 12.