EDITOR'S NOTE: Staff and written comments presented to the Harrison Planning and Zoning Commission during a public hearing prior to its regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 27, can be found at the following link: https://files.gabbart.com/1856/82724_plancommpublichearingcomments2.pdf
The Planning and Zoning Commissioners met Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. for their monthly meeting. The City Council Chambers were full of concerned citizens – mainly in regards to the request to rezone undeveloped land on N. Spruce St. owned by Danny Hall.
After a lengthy discussion, the commissioners decided to withdraw a motion to table the agenda item and voted to deny the request. The room packed with concerned citizens broke into applause and celebration.
The public record shows many letters against the proposal were written before the public hearing. Plus, many neighbors signed up to speak to the commissioners.
Mayor Jerry Jackson was in attendance and said afterward, “This is how the process works, and I want to thank all citizens for coming out. I’m very proud of our community.”
Hall had been approached by an out-of-state developer looking to provide additional housing for the area on the 3.91 acres. Hall was requesting a zoning change from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to an R-4 (High Density Residential) which would allow multifamily apartments.
When it was time for staff comments, Phillips said adjacent properties with zoned C-3 (General Commercial) to the north and east; properties to the west and south are zoned R-1 (Single Family Residential).
In other business, the proposed DG Market at 809 S. Pine heard from the developer’s civil engineer, Cody Sexton. The commissioners and Phillips agreed the plans did comply with the minimum code standards, but they asked if there were any possibilities that the building façade design and materials could better fit into the neighborhood.
Mike Nabors spoke on behalf of the Downtown Strategies Committee and HHBA (Historic Harrison Business Association). “Dollar General is coming. And we appreciate all the locations you have in our area. But for people traveling into our area for the first time on Hwy. 7, we want them to see this beautiful area that has the feel of a historic area. Yes, there are many businesses located on Pine Street, but we would like to see that historic feeling preserved.”
Phillips reminded the commissioners they had the authority to ask for concessions in the design.
Sexton told the group he was the civil engineer and could not agree to the enhanced facade the commissioners were proposing. At that time, the Commission voted to table the item and requested that the building façade design be modified to fit better with existing development in the area (which includes historic buildings such as Kirby Manor).
Take 5 Oil Change was approved for development at 1411 US Highway 62-65. The facility will have three bays for service, four to five employees, and two managers. Its hours are usually 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and sometimes later on Saturday. The commissioners approved the request.
The American Freightways Annex to the Boone County Historical Museum was approved. Chairman Pat Brown abstained from voting. The structure will hold American Freightways memorabilia and the restored Road Tractor, known as R-1, which will be displayed. The lighted glass front will be visible from the street and enhance the area.
Representing the museum, Troy Massey said they are all working in partnership on this project. “This will be a nice addition to the museum. It will also hold cannon and caisson that had been donated.”
B & B Automotive, which was tabled last month, was approved after additional information requested by the Commission was submitted.
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