It’s not always easy to understand, with the color-coded areas and vague terms. But zoning is an important issue that will affect both Jemison and Thorsby in the coming weeks—so important that residents of these two cities need to as involved as possible with the decision-making process.

City leaders have been working for several months to develop plans that will be considered by the respective city councils and the public. The plans have already been taken before the councils for preliminary review, and now comes the public reviews.

Thorsby has already held a public hearing, and the plan, as would be expected, was contested on several points. The proposed zoning ordinances, among other things, create more specific zoning categories. While these new categories won’t affect any current land use, some areas would potentially be affected in the future.

So, if at all possible, all Jemison and Thorsby residents should attend the hearings, make sure they understand what is being proposed, then voice their opinion about any potential changes.