A request for rezoning the property at 420 Martin Street met with resistance from neighbors and the Third Ward Councilman, Michael Smith, at Monday’s meeting. Hope Haven Industries has been at the location for 53 years, prior to Zoning of the property. The property had been zoned as R-3 and Hope Haven was grandfathered due to prior existence. They requested the rezoning of the property for their main building from Residential R-3 to Multiple Use MU-1. The Planning and Zoning Board heard from 5 people who opposed the change in a public hearing, but sent their recommendation for approval to the council. Smith voiced the concerns of his constituents.
The council held a lengthy discussion on the proposal and heard from both sides.
Second Ward Councilman Wayne Cunningham made the motion to approve the recommendation for re-zoning. That was seconded by Councilman At Large Tom Ashbrook. The vote was 3-1 with Third Ward Councilman Smith voting NO.
