Planning Commission approves buffer reduction for 335 West Pike Street with staff conditions

The Lawrenceville Planning Commission on March 2 recommended approval of a buffer reduction at 335 West Pike Street that would reduce the required buffer between a General Business parcel and an adjacent multifamily residential parcel from 50 feet to zero to reflect an existing parking configuration. Commission Member Darion Ward moved to recommend approval with staff recommendations; Commission Member Sheila Huff seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Applicant Macario Bustos and engineer Charles “Owen” Herbert III of Davis Engineering and Surveying appeared as proponents. An adjacent property owner, Bob Peterson, registered opposition in the record and raised conditional concerns about potential off-site land-disturbing activity encroaching on his property. Staff advised that any such off-site work would require a formal easement between private parties and that municipal approval of the buffer reduction or a land-disturbing permit does not supersede private property rights.

The motion was recorded as moved by Commission Member Darion Ward and seconded by Commission Member Sheila Huff. Voting yea were Chairperson Bruce Hardy, Vice-Chairperson Jeff West, Commission Member Sheila Huff and Commission Member Darion Ward.

Clarifying details recorded in the hearing include the parcel ID (5146E002), an area of approximately 1.46 acres, the original 50-foot buffer requirement, and staff's notation that a valid easement would be a necessary contingency for any off-site land disturbance. The transcript does not record any amendment to the motion.

Next steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action; the transcript does not specify a Council hearing date.