Radcliffe council postpones rezoning for 238 Cedar Oak Drive after Fort Knox raises safety concerns
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Summary
After Fort Knox officials warned the rezoning could affect training readiness and create risks for nearby residents, the Radcliffe City Council voted 3-2 to postpone a decision on rezoning 26.307 acres at 238 Cedar Oak Drive and scheduled a new public hearing.
Radcliffe — The Radcliffe City Council postponed a second reading Tuesday of a rezoning request for 238 Cedar Oak Drive after a Fort Knox official said the change could jeopardize training readiness and raise safety concerns for nearby residents.
Council members voted 3-2 to postpone the motion to adopt the Planning Commission’s recommendation and asked staff to schedule and advertise a new public hearing. The property owner, Silvergate Properties Lehi, had requested rezoning 26.307 acres (part of Arlington Center Lot 3, PVA map 138-20-07-003) from a commercial zone (C) to a high-density residential R-4 zone.
The issue: Why it matters Fort Knox’s representative told the council the installation is not opposed to additional housing generally, but that housing within 30 minutes of the base can affect readiness because of noise, light and training activities. Jim Bradford, who identified himself as deputy to the Garrison Commander at Fort Knox, urged the city either to deny the rezoning or, if it approves the change, to impose conditions such as security fencing and downward-facing lighting. Bradford also noted Fort Knox’s compatibility use plan is nonbinding but intended to protect training buffers.
What officials said "First, Fort Knox is not against additional housing," Jim Bradford said. "However, where that housing is located affects the readiness of our active reserve and National Guard units that train at Fort Knox." He added that the installation had not been aware of the original zoning request and that the letter the base provided in July sets out perceived risks to residents if the zoning change proceeds.
Several council members said they wanted more information before approving the rezoning. "I don't think for me in good conscience I can approve, especially after just now hearing Mr. Bradford," said Councilwoman Merle, who asked for a new public hearing to allow the council to hear additional evidence.
City attorney (staff) explanation City staff clarified the procedure: with a motion to adopt already on the floor, the council could vote to postpone that pending motion and schedule a new public hearing. The council followed that route, voting to postpone and directing staff to re-advertise and notify adjacent property owners.
Next steps The council directed staff to work with the applicant and planning staff to set a public hearing date and to re-notify property owners as required by law. No new hearing date was announced at the meeting.
Ending The postponement keeps the rezoning request active but delayed; the council said it will reconvene the matter after the new public hearing and additional notice.
