By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—After lengthy discussion at the Paris Municipal Regional Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, a variance was approved of the required setbacks at 901 and 903 Manley Streets for property on which Chris Willoughby plans to locate a motorcycle accessories business.
Neighbors of the property spoke out against having the business in a residential area due to increased traffic flow in the neighborhood and potential for more noise. They also noted that children play in that neighborhood and with the business proposed for a dead-in street, there will be little access to and from the business.
Richard Gallimore of 812 Manley Street said it’s a quiet neighborhood that kids can walk down it now without problem. “We’re concerned about the noise during business hours. We oppose it.” Another neighbor said if he had to, he would get a petition started and everyone in the neighborhood would sign it.
Willoughby said earlier in the meeting he had spoken to the neighbors and they did not object to the business. He said he wants to improve the appearance of the neighborhood and will be tearing down one house that burned and wants to make the existing home “look like a brand new commercial building. I want to make it look good. That’s what I’m after.”
Community Development Director Jennifer Morris noted the property owner is proposing to construct an addition on the house that is located closest to Tyson Avenue. She noted even with the combination of both lots there is very little buildable area due to the fact that the properties are surrounded by a right of way on each property line.
The original lots in this area were decreased due to the widening of Hwy 79 several years ago, she said. At that time the City zoned this property along will all properties that front Tyson to a commercial zone. For the property owner to develop this property an excessive amount of variances must be granted for this property to be developed, she said.
In other business:
–The board approved a rezoning Request at 130 Abbott’s Lane from Planned Industrial to Planned Business which will allow the construction of an assisted living facility.
Background & Analysis provided by city staff: This is a 5.10 acre tract located between Fairground Road/the Railroad, Abbott’s Lane and Recycling Drive. Owner Tim Wirgau has requested this tract be rezoned from PM (Planned Industrial) to PB (Planned Business). Wirgau wishes to locate an assisted living facility on the vacant portion of his tract. Additionally, Wirgau plans to divide the portion of the property to be used for the assisted living facility from the existing 5.10 acres. This property is surrounded by Planned Industrial and Planned Business.
–The board approved a rezoning request at 102 Fairview Street from R-I-M to TRB.
Background & Analysis from city staff: “Janet French has an option to purchase property located at 102 Fairview Street. Ms. French is requesting the property be rezoned from the current R-1-M (Single Family Medium Residential) to a commercial district. The City Commission has referred this request to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation. In reviewing the area overall it does appear that this end of Fairview Street seems to consist of commercial or institutional/religious uses.
“Should the Planning Commission choose to rezone this property you may wish to consider the TRB Transitional Residential Business District. This somewhat limits some of the uses that would otherwise be allowed if it were to be rezoned to the adjacent B-3 General Business District. The TRB District would lessen the impact on the existing residential uses.”
–The board approved a zoning ordinance amendment governing home occupations, which has been discussed at prior meetings. In making the motion to approve, Board Member Charlie West said, “This is a recurring theme here and I think the staff has done their due diligence” in drafting the amendment.
Photo: Engineer Nathan Grasfeder of LI Smith shows the board and city officials plans Willoughby has for the Manley Street property (Shannon McFarlin photo).
Menu
