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Butternut Ridge residents urge Council to slow rezoning process, cite traffic and character concerns
Summary
At the Oct. 7 meeting residents asked for notice and hearings on a proposed rezoning (Ordinance 2025-100) that they said could allow denser development on Butternut Ridge, worsening traffic and altering the street’s character; Councilwoman Hemann urged residents to register for upcoming hearings.
Residents of Butternut Ridge urged Council on Oct. 7 to give residents notice and an opportunity to contest a proposed rezoning that would change a parcel from single-family to Planned Development.
Robert Sharp, who said he has lived on Butternut Ridge for 47 years, told Council the street has suffered traffic and development pressures and asked how the city will prevent a cascading effect if higher-density projects are allowed. "If you allow this one, how can you deny somebody else?" Sharp said, urging the city to notify residents of upcoming hearings so they can organize and respond.
Councilwoman Hemann, the Ward 4 councilmember, responded that tonight was a first reading only and encouraged Sharp to leave contact information so the Clerk of Council can send notices of committee and Planning Commission hearings where the public can speak.
Earlier in the public comment period Donald Primosch described a neighbor dispute over a gas line that he said prevents installing a fence; Law Director Gareau told him relocation of the gas line would be a gas-company matter rather than a city responsibility. Primosch raised the issue in strongly worded terms and described the neighbors as rented occupants of a low-income unit.
Ordinance 2025-100 appeared on first reading that night; Council scheduled committee meetings and planning hearings will determine next steps. Residents were advised to participate in committee and Planning Commission meetings to contest or influence any rezoning decisions.
Why it matters: Rezoning could permit higher-density development and change traffic patterns and neighborhood character on a long-established residential street; public participation in planning hearings is a required step in the process.
What’s next: Ordinance 2025-100 remains at first reading; the Council and Planning Commission will set committee and public hearings where neighbors may provide testimony.
