Public Hearing conducted by Planning Commission | News – Union Springs Herald

By Faye Gaston

The Union Springs Planning Commission met for a public hearing on August 3, 2020, VIA Phone Conference facilitated by City Attorney, Elizabeth Smithart.

Brian Agnew, Chairman, made comments prior to the Public Hearing: "In 2012 the City of Union Springs went through expensive and necessary public meetings to review the zoning ordinance and rezone and create new zoning for the betterment of the city.

"The new zoning ordinance limits manufactured homes (mobile homes), in the city. Mobile homes do not increase the value of property.

"When a mobile home is placed next to or near a stick-built home, the property values go down. There is value in owning a stick-built home."

The public hearing was about placing mobile homes on seven locations in the city. Speaking in opposition were Henry Brown regarding a mobile home on 204 Holcombe Avenue East, Jacqueline Patterson about 131 Seale Avenue, and Willye Nance about Johnson Street. No one spoke in opposition to placing a mobile home on 111 Montgomery Avenue, 161 Rayfield Street, 905 Johnson Street, or 406 Waugh Street.

The extended remarks from Willye Nance stated that the original zoning for the neighborhood (Johnson Street) is R-3-Multifamily Residential for high population densities-apartments, boarding houses, condominiums. Mobile homes are not included in the scope of the zoning ordinance as it is written.

They are provided for in the ordinance addressing manufactured homes. He gave quotes from the zoning ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan and stated his views. He said a mobile home would change the neighborhood from its original character and decrease the value of properties.

"I've observed that more and more mobile homes are being placed on lots contrary to zoning ordinances, giving many areas the look of large, mobile home parks. Even now, the areas along Tye Street, which dissect with the street where my property is, there are scatterings of mobile homes.

"The neighborhood is slowly losing its character. If this trend continues, the approval of Conditional Use Requests, will eventually make the R3 zoning ordinance null and void. I don't want that to happen in the neighborhood where my property is located. This would include Thomas, Tye, Johnson, and Locke Streets. I think existing zoning ordinances and the vision stated in the Comprehensive Plan should be strictly followed."

Speaking in favor of placing mobile homes as requested were Felicia Hudson, Lucy Bailey, Peggy Pitts, Shamika Smith, Svetlana Mack, Kennedy Mack, Andre Miles, Kaleah Miles, and Judy Glaze.

Members of the Planning Commission who were present VIA phone conference were: Bryan Agnew, Chr; Joyce Perrin, Co-Chr; Presetta Walker, Secretary; Mayor Saint T. Thomas, Jr., Carla Elston and Gary Hyche. Members absent were: Larry Stewart, Charlotte Phillips, and Peggy Goodwin.

The Public Hearing ended, immediately followed by the Planning Commission's meeting with a roll call vote regarding granting the requests.

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Public Hearing conducted by Planning Commission | News - Union Springs Herald