In a recent government meeting, the proposal for a commercial vehicle parking lot at 43100 Alpine Road, submitted by applicant Mister Trejo, faced significant opposition from local residents. The proposal seeks to rezone the property from residential to plan commercial development (PCD) to accommodate the storage of business equipment and employee vehicles for Trejo's landscaping business, which currently employs ten people.
During the meeting, staff expressed concerns about the intensity of the proposed use in a traditionally residential area, recommending denial of the zoning change. The property, which includes a single-family residence and an ancillary building, has been modified with gravel to support parking for the business. Trejo stated that he would not conduct business on-site but would use the property solely for storage.
Residents voiced their objections, highlighting issues such as increased traffic, noise from equipment, and concerns about safety and quality of life in their quiet neighborhood. Jeffrey Barrett, a long-time resident, emphasized the potential disruption to the community, while James Turner detailed specific incidents of speeding and congestion caused by Trejo's business operations. Another neighbor, Carl Bores, echoed these sentiments, noting that the growth of Trejo's business has exceeded what is typical for a home-based operation.
In contrast, Ralph Farish, a resident in favor of the proposal, defended Trejo, describing him as a good neighbor who maintains his property well. The meeting allowed for public comments, with a total of 20 minutes allocated for both supporters and opponents to express their views.
As the discussion unfolded, commissioners expressed mixed opinions. Some acknowledged the presence of other home-based businesses in the area, while others raised concerns about the impact on residential life. The closest neighboring house is approximately 500 feet away, which Trejo argued is a reasonable distance compared to typical commercial zoning requirements.
The outcome of the proposal remains uncertain as the commission continues to deliberate on the implications of rezoning in a residential area, balancing the needs of local businesses with the concerns of the community.