There is a proposal in the works to replace single-family homes with commercial uses without requiring a zoning change.
You are probably aware that Mayor Watson’s council, with the Passage of H.O.M.E. 1 and 2, has eliminated single-family zoning across the city by allowing at least 3 units on every lot and as many as nine or more attached units in neighborhoods with larger lots like Great Hills. However, those involved in city processes are not done deconstructing neighborhoods and displacing residents, not by a longshot.
It wasn’t enough to authorize lots to be cut up into 1,800 square foot parcels to allow multiple units – now it is being proposed to allow commercial businesses on all single-family lots. The September 2nd agenda for the Zoning and Platting Commission included a resolution to permit commercial businesses on single-family and multi-family residential neighborhood lots.
The resolution would allow a wide variety of commercial uses on any lot now zoned for single-family residences or apartments. Here is a list of the uses they feel are appropriate to put next door to you, on your block, or in your apartment building:
1. Counseling Services
2. Guidance Services
3. Medical Offices – —not exceeding 5,000 sq/ft of gross floor space
4. Consumer Repair Services;
5. Food Sales;
6. General Retail Sales (Convenience);
7. Personal Improvement Services
8. Personal Services
9. Pet Services
10. Restaurant (Limited)
Look for this insanity to disappear until later this year, when it will re-emerge. Having deregulated the housing density in neighborhoods, they now want to deregulate the uses. They will not stop until they have allowed the free market destroy neighborhoods.