West Columbia Planning Commission rejects zoning change

Call to Order

The West Columbia Planning Commission met Monday, July 28, 2008, at 6 pm. Chairman William C. Etheredge, Vice Chairman W.J. "Buck" Buchanan, Preston Cantrell, Julie Huffman, Harold Prater, and Billy Lynn Williams were present. Elizabeth "Liz" Deas was absent.

Public Hearing on Bowman property rezoning request

Zoning Administrator Brian Car ter explained that property owners, Emily and Carl Bowman, want to reclassify their property, located between Chris Drive and Kleckley Drive, as C2 (General Commercial), so that it can be developed. Currently, the property is split- zoned as both C2 (General Commercial) and R4 (Low Density Residential). Carter reviewed the area surrounding the property for the commission and noted that the city's long- term plan recommends the C2 (General Commercial) classification.

Following Carter's remarks, Chairman William C. Etheredge opened the floor for residents to speak in favor of the proposal. Affirmative speakers and those in opposition are each given 15 minutes to present their arguments.

Speaking in the affirmative, Emily Bowman explained she had inherited the property. She felt, however, that such inheritances often present challenges and would prefer the land be developed.

"I think it's in the best interest," Bowman said.

Following Bowman, Diane Senn spoke in opposition. Senn argued that allowing the Bowman property to be developed would scare away wildlife and negatively affect property values from Chris Drive and Kleckley Drive to Hook Avenue.

Rober t Senn asked about how other properties, including his own, would be protected from the landscape changes, should the request be approved. Carter noted that the law requires a 40 foot buffer between the properties, but that the distance could be reduced if the developer met certain requirements. He explained the developer would likely seek the smallest possible buffer with the largest amount of trees.

Carl Bowman said the Senns had been trying to buy his property for 15 years. He believed the wildlife in the area would not be affected.

James Day was worried about possible runoff from the development.

Lucy Collins argued development would be detrimental to the seven children in the neighborhood.

Robert Senn emphasized his belief that flooding problems would worsen if development of the property occurred. Commissioner Cantrell said he had been in the woods near the property and agreed the current level of flooding was significant.

Car l Bowman disputed Senn's point and said that flooding would not be a problem.

Laura Senn Day, wife of James Day, said that increased development of the area would affect the safety of the children in the neighborhood and the overall sense of community.

With the remarks concluded, Carter reviewed an issue involving sewer lines on the property with the commission. He also reminded them that the city of West Columbia now has very strong storm water and erosion regulations in place. Any developer of the Bowman property would have to work closely with the commission.

The commission voted on the proposal and rejected it unanimously, 6- 0.

Public hearing on recently annexed property off Drafts Woods Road

The commission unanimously approved by a vote of 6- 0 to designate the zoning classification of recently annexed property off Drafts Woods Road as R4 (Low Density Residential).

Henry L. Roland spoke on the need for the Drafts Woods Road area to maintain its rural landscape. Commissioner Julie Huffman and Car ter explained that the classification of R4 is the city's strictest form of zoning and thereby fulfills Roland's request.