Commission backs rezone at 105 East Relation Street amid neighbor access concerns

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended City Council approval of a rezone for Graham County parcels 101-13-028 and 101-13-029A (105 East Relation Street), changing zoning from R16 single-family residential to C3 light commercial.

Staff framed the request as a buffer between Highway 191 commercial zoning and adjacent residences that could enable small multifamily housing or duplexes. "The purpose of this zoning district is to serve as a buffer between residential districts and commercial or industrial districts," staff said, noting the parcels directly abut higher-intensity commercial zoning along the highway.

Applicant Randy Posel, who identified himself as the designated broker and purchaser, said his past nearby redevelopment flattened a distressed building and built duplex housing. He said the project team plans to provide additional parking to address neighbor concerns and that the short-term plan is a duplex similar to previous work.

Multiple neighbors spoke during the public comment period. Cade Whitmer, who lives at the end of Relation Street, said the street entrance is narrow and that "only one vehicle can fit right there," adding that additional multi-family units would increase on-street vehicle pressure and that he prefers single-family homes for school and community reasons. John Crockett said he opposed a duplex across from his home and noted that residents cannot park on the road. Roy Holloway disputed map and parcel labeling on the record and said historical deeds do not show a '29A' parcel as presented. Wind Scarboro emphasized safety concerns with ingress and egress onto Highway 191 and asked how the commission had inspected the access.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly noted that traffic, road widening, engineering and right-of-way acquisition are addressed during development review and engineering, not at the rezone stage. Staff reminded the public that zone change approval is an early step; engineering costs can be high and property owners often require the zoning decision before committing to engineering work.

After discussion and acknowledgment of neighbor concerns, the commission moved, seconded and voted to recommend approval to City Council. The record shows the commission requested that engineering, parking, and access be carefully addressed in subsequent development review and encouraged public participation at the City Council hearing.

The item will be forwarded to Council for a public hearing and final action.