Board approves subdivision variance at 1216 North Fillmore; developer pledges small pocket park

The Board of Adjustments approved Case 26-08-15BOA, granting a lot-depth variance so a 50-by-140-foot parcel at 1216 North Fillmore can be resubdivided into two 50-by-70-foot lots.

Brian Burns, representing West Thirties Redemption Company, described neighborhood rehabilitation efforts and said the developer proposes a small pocket park on Lot 1B with a swing set, two benches and a picnic table. “Our plan is actually after it's completely developed and dedicated to donate it to the city of Covington,” Burns said. He told the board the immediate block has been substantially rehabilitated over recent years.

Commissioners and staff discussed minimum lot-size requirements in RSL zoning (30 by 90) and whether creating a substandard lot for a pocket park would itself require a variance; staff noted that a substandard lot cannot be created without a variance under current regulations. A commissioner asked if the applicant would instead create a 50-by-90 lot and a smaller pocket park to avoid a variance; Burns said he had not considered that alternative but it remained possible.

A motion to approve the variance carried on a roll-call vote: Miss Butler and Mister Lucas voted no; Mister Gilley, Mister Romage and Mister Jenkins voted yes. Staff noted that if the pocket park is dedicated to the city, the city would be responsible for long-term maintenance once accepted.