On March 3, Minot registered voters will be asked to approve a revised comprehensive plan that includes several major land-use changes, including raising the minimum lot size in rural areas from two acres to five acres, the establishment of three additional “village” zones and cluster development.

If passed, these changes would have a significant long-term impact and would become the blueprint for the future of Minot. As a member of the original Comprehensive Plan Committee in 1994 and 1995, and a former Planning Board member, I am very concerned that the acceptance of this plan, with limited public input, will be decided at an election of town officials on Friday night, rather than at town meeting.

The minimal information available at the recent public hearing on Feb. 15 included a pamphlet titled “What Happens at Town Meeting.” This pamphlet states, “The way to get things changed is to attend town meeting and voice your own opinion.” I am disturbed that the voters in Minot will not have that opportunity. Simply put, this decision deserves to be made on the floor of the town meeting, after a full and open discussion, the same way all other issues and ordinance changes are decided.

There are two important questions Minot voters need to ask: 1) Why is the approval vote for the comprehensive plan being held on Friday night rather than at town meeting? and, 2) Do you know enough about this issue to make an informed and educated decision?

Michael J. Hricko, Minot