Fort Thomas planning commissioners give conditional approval to Pearson Street subdivision; easement and council rezoning remain

The Fort Thomas Planning Commission on March 19 granted conditional approval to the final plat for the subdivision of lots along Pearson Street adjacent to Tower Park, contingent on a second reading and formal approval of a zoning change by city council, required approvals from the Board of Adjustment for nonconforming lots, and the drafting, execution and filing of deeds that include a historic-covenants exhibit.

Commissioners said the vote was meant to provide procedural reassurance to residents while key legal documents and approvals are completed. “We would like to request ... a conditional approval based on not only the approval of the Zoom change from council but also the Board of Adjustment approvals,” a city planning staff member said during the continuation of the public discussion from the prior month.

Why it matters: The subdivision affects multiple existing and proposed lots in a historic part of Fort Thomas and involves easements, nonconforming lot issues that must go to the Board of Adjustment, and recorded deed language that commissioners want to reflect historic covenants. Commissioners emphasized they want the planning commission to sign off only after council and Board of Adjustment steps are complete and the…