Monday's Internet Edition, October 06, 2008.
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Leader-Press staff writer - By MIKE McILVAIN
Leader-Press staff writer
Copperas Cove’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously, disapproving a rezoning request to change a 3.43 acres adjacent to a 16-home neighborhood to commercial.
P&Z voted 5-0 on Monday night to deny a request to change the acreage known as House Creek North Subdivision from single family to business. Several residents of the 16-home group expressed concern over property values to P&Z members on Monday night at City Hall and they were heard.
“I think the concerns of the people are valid. They seem to be in code, but we still have people that live out there,” Commission member Ray Gatewood said. “I’m not comfortable with it, and there’s no way we can get an assurance of what they are going to put out there.
“I like to think about it if we lived there.”
City Planner David Lilley told the commission that not all businesses placed adjacent to residences lower property values, that some raise values, depending on what kind of businesses they are.
The 16-house neighborhood sits on property formerly owned by the late Jake Summers off Lutheran Church Road.
“Anyway, what commercial business would do any good out there,” resident Bill Littlejohn asked after the 40-minute meeting.
Karin Stephens was relieved, and groping for the right word to explain her feelings.
“Shocked, extremely pleased,” she said. “They see our side and understand where we are coming from.
“Planning and Zoning had voted originally not to approve it, but City Council said they didn’t do their homework, and said we’re approving it.”
Bob Love, one of a handful who spoke to the commission, has lived in the cul de sac-style neighborhood for about 30 years: longer than the rest of his neighbors.
“Jake Summers said he would never sell for (commercial) development as long as he was alive,” Love said. “People don’t build homes with the idea of losing value.”
The matter is expected to return to City Council on Oct. 21.