Homewood City panel OKs right-of-way parking and tree wells for 2703 19th Place South

Homewood City Public Works Committee members voted unanimously Jan. 27 to grant Twin Construction and applicant Kale Smith permission to install up to 14 parking spaces and up to three tree wells in the public right of way at 2703 19th Place South and to move forward with a conceptual two‑story building design on the parcel.

The applicant described plans to demolish two existing Butler-style buildings on the site (one with a brick veneer) and construct a two‑story mixed-use structure with retail on the ground floor and commercial/office space on the second floor. "We'd like to tear it down and do a new two‑story structure," one presenter said during the committee discussion, describing renderings and a site plan prepared by Jared Bussey.

Why it matters: the action clears a procedural hurdle that allows on-street parking and tree wells in front of the planned building but does not approve final construction. Committee members and staff emphasized that the site plan under discussion is preliminary; final approval will depend on required permits, engineering review and inspections.

Committee members and staff discussed how the proposed parking would fit with existing sidewalk conditions along the block. The applicant said the sidewalk would end up between the new parking and the building; committee members noted that the short sidewalk segment on that street does not currently connect to a broader pedestrian network. The applicant also said the parking areas in the right of way would include landscaping islands and tree wells — described in the request as up to three — and that final placement had not been finalized.

Committee members clarified operational points included in past similar approvals: street parking created in the right of way would not be restricted exclusively to the applicant, and signage prohibiting general public parking would not be allowed. The committee also confirmed that the plan conforms to the property's existing C‑4A zoning for retail at the street level and commercial space above, and that the applicant would submit engineered site plans for staff review.

Formal action: Councilor Nelms moved to grant the request; Councilor Harden seconded. The committee voted in favor with no recorded opposition. Committee members and staff said the approval allows work in the right of way per the preliminary plan but that all construction is subject to the city's permitting, inspection and permanent‑record approval processes and to any required engineering revisions.

Next steps: the applicant must submit final engineered plans and obtain the necessary permits and inspections before any work in the right of way or building demolition may begin. Staff comment in the meeting indicated Gail (staff) will review submitted engineering and site plans.

Votes at a glance

• Request (New business 060125): Permission to install up to 14 parking spaces and up to three tree wells in the right of way at 2703 19th Place South (Twin Construction / Kale Smith) — Motion to approve by Councilor Nelms; second by Councilor Harden; outcome: approved (unanimous).