Uptown rezoning vote postponed

Oct. 19--A proposal to rezone properties within the Uptown St. Joseph Redevelopment Area will be the subject of a vote at the City Council's next meeting.

The proposal, which would generally downzone the Uptown area from multi-family zoning districts to lower-density zoning districts, was brought forward last year by the Uptown St. Joseph Redevelopment Corp. and the city.

The area included is roughly defined as being bound by North Third Street on the west, North 14th Street on the east, Jules Street on the south and Lincoln Street on the north.

Officials from both parties say it would help preserve the district's historic integrity, as well as help stem the conversion of single-family homes into multi-family apartments.

"What the city and Uptown (are) trying to do is to re-establish this neighborhood as a single-family neighborhood," said Clint Thompson, director of planning and development for the city.

He said the proposal seeks to reduce the district's density and, in turn, increase its stability and protect the financial investments of area homeowners. He said single-family homes tend to be owned by the people who live there and that provides benefits to the area.

"They promote that sense of neighborhood and pride in their neighborhood," he said. " ... What keeps that neighborhood successful is the pride and maintenance of their property. People take more pride when they own rather than when they rent property."

Minutes of the Planning Commission'sAug. 28 meeting show the commission gave unanimous approval to the plan, with the condition of amending the initial plan to rezone properties on the west side of Fourth Street from heavy manufacturing to the Downtown commercial district zoning.

The majority of citizens speaking at that meeting showed modest support for the plan, with seven for, five against.

Property owners were notified by mail and could submit forms showing their support or opposition. Documents show a variety of responses from citizens.

Those in favor of the proposal said they were for it because it could help maintain their property values and reduce the number of rental units and crime.

Those who opposed it cited concerns of inadequate notice and lack of opportunity for public comment and information for homeowners for the proposal.

There was a public hearing held for the proposal at the City Council's meeting Monday. No public comments were made on the subject at the time.

Mayor Bill Falkner asked to postpone action on it, saying there was confusion on what could happen to a property owner if an event like a fire occurred, and how it might impact their insurance for a multi-unit building.

Mr. Thompson said the council will vote on the issue at the next meeting, set for Oct. 27.

Jessica Shumaker can be reached

at [email protected].

Follow her on Twitter: @SJNPShumaker.

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