Planning commission debates hotel-to-apartment conditional use; motion to deny introduced

The City of North Platte Planning Commission heard public comment and debated a conditional use permit application from North Platte Hospitality Inc. to allow creation of apartments within a commercial building at 2102 South Jeffress Street.

Multiple nearby business owners and residents told the commission they are concerned about the condition of the property and how a conversion to apartments would affect the city’s primary gateway. Pat Keenan, identifying himself as representing owners of land across the highway, said he feared the site would present a poor first impression to visitors and that the property owner has not kept the building in good condition. Cassandra Jara, representing the owner of the Fairfield Inn and Suites across the street, said she had observed trash, storage containers and other maintenance problems on the subject property.

Commenters raised safety and habitability concerns, including room size and current motel-room dimensions for family occupancy and whether sprinkler and egress systems would meet residential code if conversion proceeds. Rob Stepko of 2311 Cedarberry Road questioned occupancy and life-safety compliance for small motel rooms being converted to residential units.

After public comment, Commissioner Bain moved that the commission find the conditional use permit does not meet minimum standards in North Platte Code of Ordinances section 156.322 and that the commission deny the permit; Commissioner Forbes seconded. The clerk explained how to register a vote; one commissioner (Kathleen) abstained. The clerk announced the outcome as “the motion is denied.” The record also indicates the item will go forward to the City Council with the commission’s negative recommendation.

Because the Planning Commission is a recommending body, the permit application and the commission record will be transmitted to City Council for final action.