Planning Commission meets at seven tonight to discuss three re-zoning requests. The one likely to get the most attention is Lindsay Fisher's request to rezone the area at 413 N. Oakland to a Neighborhood Business District and then apply for a Special Uses permit to allow Oakland Avenue Auto Repair to re-open after the city served it a cease and desist order last month.
The problem is the people who live in the area moved there without the expectation that an auto repair shop would set up operations next door, increasing both the amount of noise in the area and the amount of exhaust coming from the facility. Maintaining their quality of life argues against against approving the permit.
However, the city is actively encouraging development in that area, witness the designation of the stretch of Oakland running from Sycamore to the old high school complex a couple of blocks south, as a TIF Distict. Given this, Fisher could reasonably argue that the city wants development there, which is just what the business will do.
The problem is the people who live in the area moved there without the expectation that an auto repair shop would set up operations next door, increasing both the amount of noise in the area and the amount of exhaust coming from the facility. Maintaining their quality of life argues against against approving the permit.
However, the city is actively encouraging development in that area, witness the designation of the stretch of Oakland running from Sycamore to the old high school complex a couple of blocks south, as a TIF Distict. Given this, Fisher could reasonably argue that the city wants development there, which is just what the business will do.
The building is on the corner of two busy streets, at least by Carbondale standards. Across from a 3 story high apartment complex. Is it really that noisy or polluting? As you say, near the old Armory, which was far more polluting, back in the day. Also close to the old high school, which might be zoned residential, but is really secondary retail.
ReplyDeleteIf I lived around there, I would likely use the shop. Nice to drop your car and walk home to wait. The shop has been there for a while, is there really a problem?
At some point, you have to decide if you want walkable neighborhoods, that include small businesses. I'm not certain the 1970 zoning model is really that great an idea.
I don't know if there is a problem as I don't live there. I do know that several of the people who live in the area came to a city council meeting to complain about exhaust fumes and noise.
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