Planning director calls public hearing for 1107 Hedgemont rezoning and reports HOME grant submission

Director Gentry asked the board to call for a public hearing on a rezoning request for 1107 Hedgemont Avenue, seeking a change from R-2 to C-3. Gentry said the request had been denied previously in the fall and, after attorney review, must re-run the full process; the public hearing will be scheduled following standard notification including letters to nearby property owners and a newspaper notice. He said there will be no vote at the time the public hearing is called; the item will appear on the regular meeting agenda for the official notice.

Gentry reported the community-development staff timely submitted a HOME grant application by the February 28 deadline requesting $750,000. Gentry said the HOME application requires no local match and that program staff expect an award notification in mid to late May; he cautioned the award could be for the full amount, a partial amount (for example $500,000 or $250,000) or none.

On code enforcement, Gentry said a combination hearing for 1013 Campbell Street West resulted in a 30-day order for the property owner to complete demolition; the owner participated by phone and is out of state. Gentry said, if the owner does not comply, the city has budgeted funds for demolition and would place a lien on the property.

Gentry also said interviews for a property maintenance inspector are underway with multiple candidates and that the billboard advertising the Camp Blunt Historic Site is being refaced with new artwork. He asked the board to move the public hearing call to the Tuesday meeting for formal action.