Commissioners approved (5-0) the 21-unit St. James Commons on St. James Road. Juha Parkkohen, representing Westminister Properties, attended the meeting but was not asked any questions. No one spoke in favor or opposed the subdivision, zoned R-10, on 7.3 acres that backs the city’s recycling center.
Parkkohen said at a Feb. 26 commission meeting the homes would be two-story, Charleston-style ranging from $225,000 - $250,000. A handful of residents spoke before the commission asking for denial of the annexation and rezoning request. The residents were told City Council was the forum to voice those concerns.
At issue is property owners’ objection of Westminster Properties building the homes in an area with a narrow road that has a blind spot around one curve and steep hills that entice some drivers, they said, to ignore the speed limit. The only outlet is Brushy Creek Road.
The final opportunity for the residents to oppose the subdivision is Tuesday, March 26 when council gives the measure a second reading. There was no public comment for or against the proposal at the March 12 city council meeting.
The planning commission also approved Dean and Sharinda Niskanen’s request to have their 1.65 acres on Mockingbird Lane rezoned for single-family use and annexed into the city. The commission approved the structure 5-0 (commissioners Don Foster and Brian Martin were absent). City Council is expected to give second and final approval at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 26.