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Planning board tables rezoning of two large Hobart parcels after residents raise traffic, pipeline and infrastructure concerns
Summary
At a Hobart City Redevelopment Authority session, commissioners tabled two rezoning petitions to M-1 for large parcels after residents warned of increased truck traffic, pipeline safety risks and unclear infrastructure commitments; commissioners asked for traffic studies and developer guarantees before proceeding.
At the Hobart City Redevelopment Authority meeting, the planning commission tabled two related rezoning petitions that would change parcels from R-2 to M-1 to allow industrial development after extended public comment and commission concern over traffic, pipelines and infrastructure responsibilities.
Developer Jason Simon of Wiley Capital presented conceptual site plans and said rezoning is the "first step" toward attracting industrial users and that the request aligns with the city's comprehensive plan. He told commissioners the sites have good highway access and that design measures such as setbacks, berms and screening would limit impacts on neighbors. "Tonight, of course, is only about rezoning," he said, adding that detailed site plans and federal, state and pipeline-company approvals would follow.
Neighbors running along Clay Street and adjacent roads urged caution. Robert Wright, who said he has lived at 7971 Clay Street for nearly 60 years, listed concerns about "traffic, noise, pollution" and the presence of a high-pressure gas pipeline near his property. "I don't want my property taxes going up," he said, urging stronger protections for nearby homes. Patricia Corey and others reported existing truck damage to local roads and worried about odors and health impacts from industrial operations.
Multiple residents asked that the commission clarify whether the sites could be used for data centers rather than warehouses; several said a traffic study and assurance that truck routes would go to Route 30 rather than residential streets are essential. Mark Popel, who spoke remotely, raised groundwater and dewatering concerns tied to wetlands and private wells.
Commissioners and staff repeatedly said a project of this scale typically requires traffic studies and infrastructure planning. Several commissioners recommended that a Planned Unit Development (PUD) or a development agreement be used instead of a straight M-1 rezoning, so the city could secure commitments for road widening, sewer and water extension and any necessary property acquisitions before approving zoning changes.
A motion to table petition 26-02 (the west parcel) was made and seconded, citing the need for a traffic study and a clear infrastructure plan; the motion carried. Commissioners then opened and heard public comment on petition 26-03 (the adjacent parcel) and likewise voted to table that petition pending additional studies and commitments.
Next steps: the petitions are tabled and the commission asked staff and the petitioner to return with traffic studies, clearer infrastructure agreements (or a PUD), and specific proposals to mitigate impacts on adjacent property owners.
Sources: Remarks and votes recorded during the Hobart City Redevelopment Authority meeting.
