Council denies rezoning request for 1312 South 30 Eighth Place after neighbor testimony

The Saint Joseph City Council declined a rezoning request for 1312 South 30 Eighth Place on Nov. 27, 2023, after neighbors opposed the change. The ordinance sought to reclassify the parcel from R1A (detached single-family) to R2 (two‑family) as requested by Zulema Lugo Knapp.

David Sandy, who identified himself as a neighboring property owner, told the council he owns seven tracts and the private drive known as South 30 Eighth Place and said the dwelling at 1312 has been used as a duplex for years, producing congestion and parking on private property. “It’s zoned for single family. It’s used as a duplex,” Sandy said, adding that the situation had cost him tenants and prompted repeated complaints to city staff and the planning department.

Sandy recounted that he and 16 other nearby property owners opposed the rezoning and that the planning commission voted against approving the change. He also said he attempted to buy the house in 2019 for $150,000 but the seller later sought an additional $30,000.

Mayor and clerk confirmed the council vote required six affirmative votes for approval; the measure failed, recorded in the minutes as one vote in favor and the motion marked 'Failed.' The council did not record individual vote names in the public record for this item.

Because the planning commission had recommended denial and neighbors voiced consistent objections, the council left the property’s zoning unchanged. There was no motion to remand the matter back to staff or to schedule further action during the meeting.

The council proceeded to other agenda items; no additional public testimony or motions on this parcel were recorded at the meeting.