MEMBERS: Mike Ready, Chair; Jonathan Eady, Vice-Chair;
Penny England, Vivian Harris, and Ron Manson. Shawn Gaither, secretary was
absent.
STAFF:
Bob Schwartz, city manager and zoning administrator.
GUESTS:
Kendra Mayfield and Daniel Parson with Oxford College.
OPENING:
Mr. Ready called the meeting to order and welcomed the guests.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Manson, seconded
by Ms. Harris, the minutes for the meeting of April 14, 2015 were approved.
OXFORD COLLEGE DEMOLITION PERMIT REQUEST - Oxford College requested a
development permit for the demolition of the house at 608 Emory Street. Kendra
Mayfield reported that the house is a total loss. They have abated the
asbestos. The septic tank has been removed and will be filled in when the house
is demolished and filled in. Mr. Ready asked about the future use for this lot.
Ms. Mayfield replied it is just going to be green space for the time being. Mr.
Manson reminded everyone that there is a restriction that any new building
should be residential in scale and appearance. And, Mr. Eady reminded everyone
that any new building will have to be within the current setback requirements.
Upon motion of Mr. Eady, seconded by
Ms. Harris, the development permit for the demolition of the house at 608 Emory
Street was approved as requested. All members voted in favor.
OXFORD COLLEGE ZONING AMENDMENT
REQUEST - Oxford
College requested a zoning amendment so that: “the zoning of Bonnell Street be
amended to be considered a side yard for the Oxford Organic Farm.” There followed a considerable discussion of
this request. Mr. Parson noted that it was not possible to manage the organic
farm without a way to keep the deer out. The deer sometimes very aggressively
eat his crops. It’s particularly a problem with some of his cover crops. All
members of the Planning Commission participated in a discussion with the
representatives of Oxford College about several possibilities for rezoning or a
variance.
At the end
of the discussion Oxford College withdrew its application for the rezoning. The
college is going discuss several options internally and may return to the
Planning Commission at a later date.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Ready adjourned the meeting at 8:02
PM.
Submitted
by:
Bob
Schwartz, zoning administrator