A resolution to regulate property usage failed by only 169 votes in Brookfield, and while the outcome obviously pleased those opposed to zoning, it also encouraged the pro-zoning faction.

"It was a positive plan, and it shows by how close it was," said Chris O'Brien of Sharon Hogue Road, chairman of the local zoning commission.

"It will be on the ballot again. It definitely will be. We're close to a majority. That's a loud statement from (compared to) the past," he said.

Zoning, which has been on the ballot at least four times since the mid-1950s, has always failed by a large margin. This time, it failed by a 1,662-to-1,493 vote.

According to zoning committee member John N. Miller, the closest previous vote was a 2-to-1 loss. Tuesday's tally shows just 53 percent voted against it.

"We're glad naturally that it didn't pass," said Theresa Salow of state Route 7, a die-hard anti-zoner.

"They want too much power in this township. A few people will have all the power. When I die I want my husband to put on my monument that I was the flower lady and that I hate zoning," Mrs. Salow said. Mrs. Salow operated a flower shop in Brookfield for many years.

Robert Maskrey, also of state Route 7, was glad to see zoning fail.

"It would never have benefited me. Zoning has a tendency to grow. Why should you ask for any more trouble than you already have?" he said.

But not everyone was pleased.

"I'm disappointed it failed, especially by such a close margin. I'd like to commend the people in the community and their hard work, their efforts and their dedication to the township," said Phil Schmidt, newly re-elected trustee.

"I would sure hate to have an empty lot next to me and not know what is going in,"