Zoning decision against three small homes

Westminster rejected a zoning change that would have allowed a local non-profit to build three small, single-family homes for individuals and families who are homeless but are in the process of finding permanent housing.  Only two Westminster city council members last night voted in favor of an MFR–a multi-family residential zone requested by Westminster Hope ComeUnity at 115 Riley Street.  Councilwoman Audrey Reese, who pastors a church involved with Hope ComeUnity,to avoid a conflict left the meeting room during the consideration.  Although the houses were proposed for those without living arrangements, the three houses would not be categorized as homeless shelters.  A second councilwoman, Ruth May, was among the four who voted down the rezoning application.  May said the three would be in her neighborhood.  “I’m not for it,” she said.  Members of council, although sympathetic to those without housing, expressed concern for the possibility of decreasing property values.  Before last night’s 2 in favor, 4 against vote, Mayor Brian Ramey led the meeting in a discussion of his city’s increasing homeless numbers — especially at the Depot gazebo where people have begun to spend nights.  The council was also told that apparently some homeless have been seen sleeping in the dugouts of a rebuilt baseball field on E. North Avenue.  There was a consensus last night that the problem of homeless is becoming more noticeable across Oconee County, and the discussions drew to a close when Mayor Ramey pledged to bring the matter to the attention of the Oconee County Municipal Association during a meeting August 21 in Salem.