By a vote of 4-1, the Chenoa City Council voted to change the zoning for property at 503 Hoselton Drive for Zachary Anderson.
The change makes the property near the car wash and hotel on the west end of town an R3 high-density residential district. The Chenoa Zoning Board had previously voted against recommending the zoning amendment.
Anderson appeared before the council Tuesday evening, explaining his rental property business and background in construction and real estate. He purchased a building in town a few years ago.
“We really enjoy investing in small towns,” Anderson explained.
Anderson plans to build an eight or 10 unit building on the property he purchased along Hoselton Drive with a maximum of two people in each unit. He feels the benefits outweigh any negatives as the structure would help improve curb appeal and would fit well with the way surrounding lots are being used.
“What we are asking to do is quite similar to what’s already allowed.”
Commissioner Zack Lopeman admitted he was “extremely torn” on the matter as he would be more supportive of changing an area zoned single family to multi family. Lopeman asked if this opens up an opportunity for someone else to have a similar request.
Attorney Steve Mann said it would create a precedent for spot zoning but he thinks the city could make a solid argument that there are special circumstances involved here.
“There’s a bunch of what-if’s here,” stated Lopeman.
“Something fresh to this town is something we need,” said Commissioner Joe Moreland.
Anderson believes it would be hard to find a developer such as this with a passion for smaller cities.
“I think you’re missing out on a great opportunity if you vote it down,” observed Anderson.
The council tabled a decision to extend south Veto Street to Kentucky Avenue for addressing purposes. A building behind the gym has been sold and has the same address as the gym. The owners want to put a business there but not having a correct legal address is holding up the process. It is a machine shop.
Moreland noted the city may consider replacing water mains after meeting with Farnsworth.
“They want to do a study on what we basically need,” explained Moreland.
The study is between $20,000 and $30,000 and Moreland said this is the best way to figure out how to move forward.
“We need to be better than the rest,” suggested Moreland. “I want better water.”
Mayor David Shane told the council the plan is something that will set the city up for years down the road. The study will take six months to one year.
The city encourages residents to conserve water on Thursday (June 15) as a new valve needs to be installed. Water will be routed from one hydrant to another with a fire house to keep pressure up. This is for a four or five-hour period.
The Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget was approved, as an appropriation ordinance must be sent to the county.
“This is more paperwork than anything right now,” stated Mayor Shane.
“I think it’s a fairly solid budget but I’m not saying it’s the best in the world,” admitted City Treasurer Bryan Rowold.
Following an executive session, the council approved a special use permit extension for Zack Lopeman. This is for the north side of the TP&W railroad where he rents travel trailer space for workers.
In another matter, Greg Anderson was sworn-in as the new Chenoa ESDA director.
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