Etowah Terrace Rezoning Request Placed On First Reading
A rezoning request for property along Etowah Terrace in south Rome was placed on first reading at Monday night’s meeting of the Rome City Commission.
The property — close to five acres — has been the center of much debate since the South Rome Redevelopment Agency/South Rome Redevelopment Corporation (SRRA/SRRC) announced earlier this year plans to support the construction of an apartment complex there.
The proposed $10.5 million senior living complex would be built in cooperation with Mercy Housing Southeast of Atlanta.
The project has been opposed by SET (Save Etowah Terrace), a local group dedicated to preserving the historic integrity of the area.
Although the rezoning request was approved last month by the Rome City Commission, the process was re-initiated after SET and others filed a complaint for declaratory judgment, appeal of rezoning and equitable relief in Floyd County Superior Court listing the city of Rome, Mercy Housing Southeast, SRRA and SRRC defendants.
The Rome-Floyd County Planning Commission has recommended denial of the rezoning request with a vote of 6-2.
Several SET members registered to speak at Monday night’s meeting, including Chad Johnfroe.
Johnfroe asked that the commission ensure that the Etowah Terrace properties remain boarded and safe while their fate is being decided.
Rome City Mayor Wright Bagby told Johnfroe that the building inspection office would be alerted to inspect the area to secure it.
Rome City Commissioner Kim Canada questioned the legality of rezoning the property for a second time in less than two months.
Rome City Attorney Bob Brinson assured that the current procedures ares legal.
Because Canada opposed the first reading of the rezoning request, the matter was put to a vote.
The rezoning request was placed on first reading with a vote of 7-1, with Canada opposed.
The second reading and public hearing for the rezoning request of the Etowah Terrace properties will take place at the next city commission meeting on July 6.
In other business, the Rome City Commission:
Approved a resolution for support of the HOME Consortium Program with Floyd County. The program could provide $780,000 annually for the area, with a $166,000 per year match split evenly with the county.
Approved a simple ordinance change for a code language revision to Handicap Parking Time Limits. The change limits handicap parking to the same time limits as regular parking — two hours. The change comes with the support of Disability Link.
Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Floyd County for the acceptance of the Justice Assistance Grant, with will provide $33,220 for the city. Rome Police Major Elaine Snow said the money would be used to purchase eight mobile data terminals for the police department.
The Rome City Commission meets again on Monday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
SET (Save Etowah Terrace) member Chad Johnfroe speaks to Rome City Commissioners on Monday night. Staff Photo by Dawn Treglown.
