City Commission.
Ratification of 4-Day Suspension of the Beer and Wine License held by Bottle and Basket, for a first offense of selling alcohol to a minor, began a long, hot City Commission Meeting. The Bottle & Basket, located at 2006 Redmond Circle, was the last of nine such establishments to be penalized by a four day suspension of their license, resulting from a recent Sting Operation on establishments selling to minors, and selling without verifying age.
Re-zoning Issues:
Although they were only slated for First Readings, two rezoning issues occupied some discussion during both the Rome City Caucus and Regular Meeting, tonight. The re-zoning of property on West 9th Avenue, which was previously sent back to the Planning Commission for a Text Amendment to the N-O-C designation, was approved by last Thursday’s Planning Commission, but in a split vote.
Commissioner Kim Canada expressed his concern that the business was still operating without a valid Business License, as the result of a Judge’s ignoring the City Ordinances prohibiting operation of a Beauty Shop in a non-conforming area, and operating without a valid license.
Secondly, in an almost identical re-zoning application to the hotly contested East 8th Street rezoning from May of this year, Commissioners were surprised to learn that no East Rome Neighborhood Association members, nor their attorney, Chris Twyman, hired to fight encroachment issues, showed for Thursday’s Planning Commission Meeting. In this recent case, Exit Realty is seeking to rezone an even smaller lot than what Martin’s Real Estate sought to re-zone in May, for the same purpose, parking.
Re-zoning this lot does encroach in to the East Rome neighborhood, as would have rezoning the lot at issue in the May, if it had been passed. The May re-zoning request failed by a 8-1 vote.
On Second Reading, owner Mike Nichols sought to rezone 2115 Maple Street from Community Commercial to High Density Residential. Sue Hiller explained to the Commission that rezoning could possibly affect the commercial property to the north, if the property were ever to be re-developed. Commission passed the rezoning request 9-0.
The Commission also passed the rezoning request of Mr. Sammy Bartley, for property located at 605 Calhoun Avenue, from Community Commercial to Light Industrial, a requirement for its intended usage as a Cabinet Shop. Also passed was a request by several residents of the South Rome area at Ross Street and Harvey Street, from O&I, a designation which occurred when the ULDC was put in place in 2001, back to a designation of Residential.
Much discussion was raised about the property located at 117 Old Airport Road, which was being presented for rezoning from High Density Residential to Heavy Commercial. The Planning Commission recommended denial, but the Planning Commission passed it in a split 6-3 vote. Sue Hiller explained that Body Shops are probably the least likely type of business to fit in to a residential area, because of fumes and noise.
Mr. John Camp, owner, spoke in favor of the rezoning, explaining that the property was originally zoned Commercial, until the ULDC went in to effect. He explained that when he bought the site, it was a heavy commercial site, with heavy trucks moving in and out regularly, including at night, until he began operating his contracting business there which significantly reduced the activity. However, Sue Hiller of Planning later corrected Mr. Camp’s assertion about Commercial Zoning prior to implementation of the ULDC. She explained that the property had been Traditional Residential for many years before the ULDC changed it to High Density Residential, but that the contractors had been operating in a legally, non- conforming use.
Mr. Randy Allen, a resident of the neighborhood, appeared to speak against the rezoning request, raising concerns about the future growth and traffic and noise issues. He reminded the Commission that they themselves had recently noted the chronic problem of body shops across the city and county, becoming a storage dump for automobiles.
When Mr. Camp stood for rebuttal, he stunned the Commissioners, telling them that the auto repair shop was operating without a Business License, but that the City was fully aware that there was not a license, and that the City had given its permission for the current business to do so until rezoning could be passed. However, City Manager John Bennett and City Clerk Joe Smith denied this allegation. The City’s position was supported and confirmed by statements from the actual Auto Repair Shop Owner, refuting his landlord’s allegation.
Commissioners unanimously voted to deny the rezoning request.
In a final issue on Second Hearing, the Commissioners considered and approved an amendment to the ULDC with regard to demolition of properties in the South Rome Overlay District. The designation involves a valuation determination of total structure and land verses structure only, when the Planning Commission is determining whether or not to condemn a property, or provide assistance to home owners for repairs. Pat Russell, former President of the South Rome Redevelopment Corporation, noted that when seniors or others with fixed incomes find themselves in a situation where they do not have funds to rebuild, the SRRC has been able to either find financing to help, or in some cases have provided assistance directly.
Commissioner Buzz Wachsteter announced that $20,000.00 in state funding grants had been secured for the development of the River Front and River Access, in conjunction with the DCA. Additionally, $25,000.00 was granted to the Family Resource Center.
The Commission also ratified the appointment of Don Marlowe and Steven McDowell to three years terms on the Historic Preservation Committee, and re-appointment of Iris Kennebrew to a Five year term on the RFPRA. Finally, Elaine Gaczyk was appointed to a three term, and Maria Santamaria was re-appointed to a three year term on the Animal Control and Welfare Board.
Commissioner Jamie Doss announced that we now have a Live Crime Report Line, where citizens can call and speak to a live person, instead of leaving a message, when reporting criminal activity. They stressed that there is no Caller Id on the line, so a caller can call anonymously. An identification number is assigned to each caller, which allows a caller to collect any reward which may be paid for a tip which leads to the direct solving of such a crime This Live Crime Report Line is 706-236-5000.
By: Teresa Watson
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