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Council rejects conversion of a Memorial Drive residence to office; members cite ‘chipping away’ of neighborhoods
Summary
Council voted 4–8 to deny on first reading Ordinance 28, a request to rezone a dilapidated house on Memorial Drive from R-1 to O-1 to convert it to a small real-estate office; supporters argued the change would remove blight and bring minimal traffic.
On first reading the City Council voted 4–8 to reject Ordinance 28, a request to rezone 1857 Memorial Drive from R-1 single-family to O-1 office district for use as a small real-estate office.
Applicants Richard and Laquivia Garrett told the council they plan to rehabilitate a deteriorated structure, limit hours and staffing, and maintain a residential scale. "This project eliminates a blighted structure, creates a code compliant professional office, improves curb appeal and streetscape," Richard Garrett said, adding the business would have two employees and limited visitor traffic.
Council debate split along the lines of neighborhood-preservation concerns and property condition. Councilman Zacharias said he feared the rezoning would allow nonresidential uses to “creep” into residential blocks and said he was inclined to vote no. Councilman Chandler and others said that the corridor already included nearby O-1 and C-2 zoned properties and that rehabilitating an unfit house could benefit the block. Councilman Holloman said approving the rezoning would be “chiseling away” at neighborhoods and voted no.
The vote failed 4 yes, 8 no on first reading. The planning commission and staff had recommended disapproval prior to the meeting. The council did not adopt conditions or amendments at this time.
