During a recent government meeting, officials voted to keep public comment open for an additional eight days, concluding on September 3rd. The board also scheduled deliberations for September 16th, where they will discuss decisions without public testimony. The motion to set this date was unanimously approved.

Public comment was opened, allowing residents to voice their concerns. David Peterson, a long-time resident, addressed issues related to traffic and population growth as outlined in the county's comprehensive plan draft. He criticized the methodology used in the plan, arguing that it fails to reflect the reality of infrastructure strain caused by increasing population and tourism.

Peterson highlighted the limitations of land available for development and the resulting impact on local roads, citing daily accidents on rural routes as evidence of the growing problem. He expressed skepticism about the population growth targets set forth in the draft, likening the situation to overpacking sardines in a can, which ultimately leads to chaos.

He urged the board to consider the real-world implications of their planning, including the potential for increased air and ground pollution due to traffic congestion, which he argued is not adequately addressed in the current data. Peterson's comments reflect a broader concern among residents regarding the balance between development and maintaining the quality of life in the county.