Re-zoning recommended to build new houses
A little more than 1.5 acres in Seneca south of the railroad are envisioned by the property owner as suitable for a handful of single-family homes, and there was agreement by the city planning commission last night at a city hall hearing. The planning commissioners gave unanimous consent to Walhalla businessman Josh Thomas’ application to switch 1.59 acres at E. South 6th and Walnut to a residential-15 zoning classification. That would allow as many as four single-family homes on lots of at least 15 thousand square feet. The commission’s vote goes as a recommendation to the city council at its April and May meetings. After hearing a staff evaluation of the request and brief comments by Thomas, commission chairman Barry Duvall echoed the comment of colleague Matthew Durham that the re-zoning makes “perfect sense.” The acreage had been zoned neighborhood commercial, but Thomas said there has been no interest in developing it for business purposes. There is adjoining property zoned R-15 and, according to Tracy Chapman of the planning a staff, a fence would be required where it abuts neighborhood commercial property.