Harrodsburg City Commission Okays Sparrow Lane Zoning
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Robert Moore
Herald Staff
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The Harrodsburg City Commission has approved a zone change for a property on Sparrow Lane. The commission also held off on giving first reading to a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1.
At their regular meeting on Monday, May 11, the commissioners gave second reading to an ordinance rezoning a 10.621-acre tract owned by Phyllis Long from B-3/B-2 (business) to R-2 (residential).
“I have a question,” said Harrodsburg City Commissioner Kerry Anness. “I don’t understand the conceptual drawing.”
Anness asked if there were any elevation drawings.
John Lyons, who filed the application for the rezoning, said it was one building with a stairway separating the units. Lyons said they were similar to buildings on Pinehurst. He said he had sent elevation drawings to the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission.
The development would include 96 units with 190 parking spaces. Each building would have units with one, two or three bedrooms.
Anness asked about infrastructure in the area.
“Is it adequate to handle the proposed development?” the commissioner asked.
Colton McGlone of Vantage Engineering noted there was an 18 inch sewer main and a two-inch gas main to serve the development if needed as well as a six inch water main, which had been installed in 2012.
Asked about the flooding in the area, McGlone maintained that water did not go over the road.
“The road acts as a levee,” McGlone said. The applicant will need to get a flood plain permit from the state when installing a road the development.
When asked about the zoning, McGlone said some documents show the property as B2 and others as B3. Either way, the property is zoned for commercial development, which would allow storage units and gas stations. He said residential development would draw less traffic than commercial development.
Magistrate Charlie Mattingly asked about the impact multi-family residential development would have on surrounding properties.
“It decreases the value of a single family home,” Mattingly said.
“You’re talking feelings and emotions,” Lyons insisted. “What you feel and what I’ve applied for are two different things.”
Lyons said he could pursue commercial development of the property without asking for the commission’s permission.
“What would happen if you put smoke and vape shops next door?” Lyons said. “We could do that right now.”
“They did their due diligence,” said Mayor Bob Williams. “I don’t see a reason not to approve it.”
Williams moved to approve the zone change. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Marvin “Bubby” Isham. William, Ishams and Commissioner Jack Coleman voted yes, with Anness and Mattingly voting no.
Mattingly noted residents living next to the property were against the rezoning.
“Their property is going to be worth less in the future so I vote no,” Mattingly said.
The rezoning passed three to two.
