by Nathan Boddy
On Monday, October 17th, the Hamilton Zoning Commission voted to recommend denial of a rezoning request made by Chip Pigman for the corner lot at 501 N. 5th Street. Pigman had requested a zoning designation of high density for the currently vacant lot, with the intention of building an eight-unit housing complex. The Zoning Commission first entertained the request during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on October 3rd. At that time, the Commission heard substantial public input in opposition to the rezoning request, and ultimately decided to continue the public hearing to October 17th, giving more time for public input as well as their own consideration of the proposal.
Chip Pigman, who was unable to attend the first public hearing, stood before the Commission on October 17th and encouraged the Commission to support the rezoning request.
“For years we’ve been told that the City wants mixed-use housing with an emphasis on infill,” he said, drawing upon written elements within the Hamilton Comprehensive Plan which highlight benefits of developing in areas already serviced by roads, sewer and water lines. “This housing definitely provides that.”
Pigman also addressed the concerns that many citizens had made about the character of the neighborhood in the vicinity of 5th and River, saying that,
within a three block radius of the parcel there are already, “a group home, a six-unit apartment building, a twenty-unit apartment complex, and a mobile home park. So, our eight unit apartment building definitely fits the core neighborhood.” Pigman also pointed out the proximity of the parcel to primary employers within the City of Hamilton, and how higher density in that area would bolster the city’s stated growth plan.
Several others took to the microphone to state their opposition to the rezoning, with concerns again focusing on increased traffic and a fear of a ‘domino effect’ wherein parcels within the core of Hamilton’s residential areas would flip from single family dwellings to higher density developments. Roch Turner, Commission Chair, closed the public hearing portion of the meeting at 5:45, reminding the public that the Commission’s obligation was to make a recommendation to the City Council, who would have ultimate say on the rezoning request.
Commission member and Ward 3 representative to the City Council, Jenny West, made the motion that proved successful. In her motion, she proposed alterations to the staff findings of the proposed rezoning. In its essence, West’s motion was that the proposed rezoning was not compatible with the surrounding land uses, and would not be the most appropriate scale for development on the parcel.
The rezoning request will now be heard by the Hamilton City Council on Tuesday, November 15th at 7 p.m.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect that the rezoning request will be heard by the council on November 15th, not on November 1st as originally scheduled.