Commission resists change-of-use request for 2716 Mechanics Ave; concerns about parking, noise, spot zoning

Petitioners H. George Meyers and Mario Bennett presented plans to renovate the building at 2716 Mechanics Avenue and operate an "all purpose event facility" for intimate weddings, family reunions and meetings. The presentation described a desire to restore the dilapidated structure but did not specify a final occupancy limit or an approved parking plan.

Meyers acknowledged the building's poor condition and said he was open to alternate parking concepts and that he was "not deterred by not being able to sell alcohol." Reverend Steven Schulte, who provided history of the property, said the site previously hosted church services, occasional weddings and funerals but that upkeep had been a long-term challenge.

Town Attorney Charlie Barrow told the commission that a technical change of use from R1 would be required and cautioned that "there are specific regulations to alcohol being served near churches" and that a church use could not be grandfathered due to a lack of continuous use for a number of years. Commissioners pressed petitioners on parking, operating hours, occupancy, traffic, noise and buffering; several members expressed opposition to the project as currently proposed, describing the request as potential spot zoning and unsuitable for a residential R1 district.

At the close of discussion, Commission Chairperson Jan Yarbrough and Commission Members Len Hiers, John Mattingly, Andrew Chivers and Jim Kearns each voiced reservations or opposition. The transcript records no formal motion to approve a rezoning or change of use at the meeting.

The petitioners left with an understanding that the commission was not inclined to support the request in its present form; the transcript does not record any referral to staff for specific mitigation measures or a scheduling of a follow-up hearing.