Jeff plan commission OKs rezoning for former Bethel A.M.E. | News

JEFFERSONVILLE — A local developer has handed the initially hurdle in his ideas to redevelop an historic former church building and its house in Jeffersonville into condos and patio houses, but some inhabitants of the surrounding community say they are heading to proceed to talk out towards the venture.

Close to 20 individuals attended the Jeffersonville Scheduling and Zoning meeting Tuesday, with most fascinated in a single specific docket merchandise — the proposed rezoning of the former Bethel A.M.E. Church building at 200 West Park Place from NS (Institutional) to MS (Multi-relatives, medium). The software was earlier submitted by Nick Jones of Nick Jones Custom made Properties, LLC. Jones also entered a revenue settlement with the church pastor on July 31, which was contingent on the rezoning approval.

Jones mentioned in his introduction that, if accredited, he intends to go toward placing six patio houses in what is at present the church parking great deal, and 6 apartment units inside of the constructing “or regardless of what we can do with it,” he mentioned.

Even though the system commission eventually voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning to the Jeffersonville City Council, which has ultimate say on that phase, it did so after 9 people spoke about the prospect — 8 from the change and one in favor.

Most of the fears had been centered all over parking, visitors and place troubles, and the consequences they say approximately 12 additional residences in a little space could have on their peaceful community.

“We presently have enough hassle with parking,” resident Heather Sauer mentioned throughout community comment, incorporating that she was apprehensive about the lack of original info at this phase on what particularly factors would look like there. “He wants to be seriously precise about what his programs are.”

An additional resident, Dennis McAndrews, mentioned he was anxious about “too many houses coming into a little location,” and that he preferred to know that it was a put that would be perfectly-managed, not just developed, offered and remaining. “I don’t want to see a area which is not thoroughly maintained.”

A further resident mentioned she, like Sauer, experienced fears about the nonspecific initial strategies.

“An mysterious amount of condos is genuinely scary,” the resident mentioned, introducing that due to the fact the patio homes will abut her house, “My privateness will no longer take place. If the proposed making goes by means of, I’m looking to go and then they can tear my property down, too.”

But Graham Park, who moved to the community about a yr back, said he wants to see other family members have that selection.

“I assume to exclude multi-family members from picking this would be a miscalculation for the town,” he reported, introducing that Jones’ approach seems to be superior for the previous church making itself, as nicely. “Otherwise, who will get it up? It might tumble into decay.”

Pursuing community comment, Jones tackled some of the issues. Even though a formal progress plan has however to be intended and will have to go before numerous boards prior to it is thoroughly authorized, he envisions roughly 1,000-sq.-foot-condos within the church with 1,000- to 1,200-square-foot patio households. All models will be marketed to proprietor-occupied and the patio houses will be governed by a homeowners’ association. He sees the dimensions as currently being one thing more geared towards 1 or two folks, not large people.

As considerably as the require for off-street parking from the progress, “I’m not projecting any,” he claimed. A rudimentary, to-scale sketch given to the commission ahead of the vote displays 8 parking spots specified for the condos, and he mentioned the patio houses will each have a driveway and garage.

He explained just after the assembly he was “very happy” with the board’s final decision, and will now perform to finalize the order and official design and style strategies. With the previous church constructing by itself, he said he desires to retain as much of the historical facade as doable, and although he might substitute some home windows, would like to try out to retain some of the stained glass. He stated the patio homes will have primarily brick to match the church alongside with vinyl, although he doesn’t but know if they will be just one- or two-tale dwellings.

He stated he wasn’t stunned by the amount of people worried about the challenge mainly because, “It’s a superior road, Park Location. I prepare on earning it glimpse great.”

McAndrews, who was at the assembly with his spouse, Charlene, and was just one of the people today to communicate all through community comment, reported after the meeting they will continue on to oppose the advancement and “will do whichever we can to battle the homes’ developing.”

Sauer, who also spoke in the course of public remark, is not halting both. Other individuals gave the identical sentiment as they had been leaving.

“We’re not for it,” she reported. “As a team, we’re not accomplished.”