Despite the public showing up against a requested zoning change that would move commercially zoned US Highway 75 property to multi-family to make way for a one-acre apartment complex, the Planning & Zoning Commission of Howe voted two to one in favor to approve the request.
The location rests at 501 N. Collins Freeway along Howe’s “Ribbon of Commerce” between Star Auto Body and an apartment complex. Property owner Phillip Shaffer made the comment to the P&Z board that since there are apartments next to the property, what should circumvent this property being rezoned for multi-family use?
Two longtime Howe residents stood up and gave views that Howe should stay the course with the commercial planning on Highway 75. One individual stated that there isn’t going to be another Highway 75 come through Howe and improperly zoning it could hurt the long term plan.
P&Z board member Dale Rideout made a motion to approve and Jerry Park made a second to the motion. Jack Leavenworth voted against the change.
“I think, it’s my opinion to keep with the development plan and maintain the C-1 zone.” said Leavenworth.
“I would like to see a business there myself rather than apartments, but when is that going to happen?” said Jerry Park.
“We’ve got apartments to the south as well so I don’t see that part being a problem.” said Rideout.
One could make the case that if you allow apartments to be built due to an apartment complex next to it, soon could be apartment complexes along side each other all the way down US Highway 75.
No one other than Shaffer and the purchaser Gurishkumar Patel spoke in favor for the zoning change.
The zoning change will go in front of the city council tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. at the Howe Community Center at 700 W. Haning St. for final decision. It is a public meeting.
