Service committee sends four rezoning requests to planning commission

The Newark City Council's Service Committee voted unanimously April 6 to advance four proposed zoning reclassifications to the planning commission and to the full council for public hearings.

Committee chair (S3) introduced ordinance 26-12 to change the zoning of 378 Mount Vernon Road (partial tax ID 05427726600.000) from RH single-family high-density to TFR two-family residence at the request of the property owner. Director of Public Service (S6) told the committee the requests came from property owners and recommended moving them through the process to a public hearing. Neely moved the item with a second by Blind; the committee approved 5-0.

The panel took up ordinance 26-13 to rezone 16 East Street (partial tax ID 05421010200.000) from GC general commercial to RH single-family high-density; the presenter and committee noted the lot is vacant and proposed for construction. Neely moved and Blind seconded; the committee voted 5-0 to forward the item.

Ordinance 26-14 proposes rezoning 20 E Street (partial tax ID 05421417600.000) from GC to RH for a vacant lot proposed for development; the committee approved the referral by the same 5-0 vote.

Finally, ordinance 26-16 addresses parcels at 2236 River Road (partial tax IDs 5422573800 and 5422574400), seeking to change classification from MFC multifamily/condo to RH single-family high-density at the property owner's request. The committee moved the ordinance to planning with a 5-0 vote.

Each ordinance was presented as owner-initiated zoning changes; committee members asked only brief clarifying questions and directed staff to send each item on for public hearing and planning review.

Next steps: Each ordinance will be scheduled for planning commission review and a public hearing before final action by the full Newark City Council.