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Residents press council to delay rezoning near Route 21; public hearing draws objections
Summary
At a public hearing on a proposed rezoning for parcel 10016888, multiple nearby homeowners objected to changing rural-residential land to B-2 commercial zoning, citing property values, traffic and lack of notice; council postponed action to ensure wider notice.
Council opened a public hearing on a proposed zoning change for parcel 10016888 along Route 21 and heard several residents urge the council not to rezone the land to business use without more notice and community discussion.
Residents who live directly behind the parcel said they were concerned that rezoning to B-2 would allow commercial development immediately adjacent to existing homes. Several speakers asked why the change was being considered now and said keeping the parcel rural-residential preserves future options and protects property values.
Jason Sommer, who said his house backs to the parcel, told council that leaving the land rural-residential “gives you guys more power” and allows neighbors time to negotiate purchases if desired. Carolyn Castro, who said she has lived on Cherpin Street for 41 years, asked council members, “How many of you would like to have businesses directly behind your house?” Phil Casper said he was “appalled” if the rezoning were pursued without appropriate advertisement and raised concerns about a proposed water tower and project costs.
Council members said notifications had been inconsistent and that the item had previously been tabled so staff could follow notification rules; the council said it postponed action again to ensure proper notice and allow additional residents to weigh in. City staff described the parcel as a 13-acre tract that borders Route 21 and said part of the intent discussed with property owners is to develop a commercial corridor along the highway; staff also said there is no immediate, finalized development plan and that options under consideration had included splitting the parcel or retaining some residential uses.
Council representatives said no rezoning ordinance had yet been adopted and reiterated that residents would be re-notified before final action. The hearing record shows significant local opposition to immediate commercial rezoning, requests for a pause while possible property purchases are explored, and repeated questions about the necessity and timing of the change.
