Call to order

Chairman William Etheredge called the meeting of the West Columbia Planning Commission to order on June 22, 2009, at 6:01 pm. Members present included Chairman William Etheredge, Preston Cantrell, Nadine Lann, Harold Prater, Gary Prince, and Billy Lynn Williams.

Proper ties Next to 1709 Sunset Boulevard

The commission first gave consideration to a map amendment establishing the zoning classification for recently annexed properties located next to 1709 Sunset Boulevard. Zoning Administrator Brian Carter presented the staff analysis. Carter noted that the properties had been previously zoned by Lexington County as ID (Intensive Development). He explained that the properties are about 7.31 acres and went over geographic features including the pond that had been covered over on the property. Noting the potential retail and commercial opportunities of the properties, Carter gave his staff recommendation that the property be split- zoned C- 2(General Commercial) and C- 3 (Restricted Commercial).

Patrick Chambers, a representative of the property owner, spoke in favor of the staff's recommendation for the zoning classification. He expressed the owner's perspective that a split- zone is "the highest and best use for the properties."

Denise Wellman spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning classification expressing her concerns that if part of the properties were designated C- 3 the land owner would use some of the properties to put lower income apartments.

Chairman Etheredge pointed out the hearing was only to establish a zoning classification and Wellman's issues of the use of the property could be better addressed at a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

Chambers, in rebuttal, again expressed his belief that the staff recommendation of split- zoning would be the most effective use of the property.

Wellman, in rebuttal, said simply that "You (referring to the city of West Columbia) are more interested in getting more tax dollars than protecting those who are already faithfully paying their tax dollars."

Carter then reviewed with council that split- zoning can have advantages and disadvantages. If the properties are not split- zoned, potential uses for the properties could be eliminated. Carter noted that "Nothing is permanent." The commission is within its rights to revisit the issue after a year.

Following a suggestion by Commissioner Gary Prince, the planning commission unanimously recommended to West Columbia City Council that the properties be zoned exclusively C- 3 (General Commercial).

Properties on 620 Sunset Boulevard

Car ter, in his staff analysis, gave a brief history of the recently annnexed properties on 620 Sunset Boulevard and said staff recommended it be zoned as C- 2 (General Commercial). Two area residents, Thomasine Mason and W.G. Winn expressed concerns about the cleanliness of a C- 2 zoning classification and the potential environmental impact, as the property is located near the West Columbia River Walk. Carter assured the residents the city of West Columbia limits the use of property classified as C- 2.

The commission unanimously recommended to council the property be zoned as C- 2 (General Commercial).

Property at 721 N. Brown Street

After Car ter's staff analysis, the commission unanimously recommended to council the recently annexed property at 721 N. Brown Street be zoned as R- 2 (Medium Density Residential).

Adjournment

Carter announced that there probably would not be a meeting in July, but officers should be elected at the August meeting. With no further business, the commission adjourned at 7:03 pm.