Preserving East Bethel’s Rural Character

East Bethel’s rural character is not an accident. It is the result of land-use choices, large lots, open space, agricultural land, lakes, woods, and a development pattern that is different from the suburban communities to our south.

My Position

Preserving rural character requires more than saying we value it. The city must protect it through the comprehensive plan, zoning, infrastructure policy, and disciplined development decisions.

• Keep substantial portions of East Bethel rural.
• Avoid using low-density suburban zoning as the default transition between rural and urban development.
• Concentrate higher-intensity uses where infrastructure and transportation support them.
• Evaluate new residential development against the city’s long-term rural vision, not simply whether it can technically be built.

Growth does not have to mean suburbanization.