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Council tables rezoning for 1720 Third Avenue East after councilors raise concerns about all‑rental plan
Summary
A proposed rezoning of about 4.8 acres at 1720 Third Avenue East that would have allowed 10 townhome lots and about 20 cottage‑style homes was tabled for two weeks after council members expressed concerns about the applicant’s plan to operate the development as rental housing and about long‑term HOA maintenance.
The Tuscaloosa City Council on March 1 voted to table consideration of Zoning Amendment No. 2 for two weeks after hearing debate about a proposed rental development at 1720 Third Avenue East in Council District 6.
City planning staff described the request as a rezoning of roughly 4.8 acres from SFR‑1 to SFR‑2 to allow a mix of about 10 townhome units and about 20 cottage‑style single‑family homes. The plan includes an HOA, a dog park amenity and surface and garage parking that staff said would exceed the minimum required spaces. The project was unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 22.
Applicant Clay Smith of Northport told the council the current plan is to rent all units, including the townhomes. Council members pressed him on management and long‑term maintenance, saying they had concerns about the effect of an all‑rental project on nearby neighborhoods. One councilor said local experience with other rental properties left them skeptical an owners’ association run by renters would reliably maintain common infrastructure such as detention ponds.
Council members asked if alternatives — including condominium ownership of the cottage units — had been considered. The applicant said condo ownership for the cottages was an option he would explore.
After the discussion, a council member moved to table the amendment for two weeks to allow the applicant and staff to meet with neighbors and consider alternatives; another council member seconded. The clerk announced the motion to table carried and the item was tabled for two weeks.
No members of the public spoke for or against the rezoning during the council’s public hearing portion; several council members said they were willing to meet with the applicant during the two‑week period to work on possible revisions.
