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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-1965 Council Meeting Minutes 306 Feb. 83 1965 Canton City Council held a Special meeting on Feb. 8, 1965 in the City Council Chamber. Purpose of the meeting: Public Hearing on the rezoning of South Fifth Avenue in the City of Canton. City Clerk Crawford called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.-M. and asked for a motion to designate a Mayor pro tem for the evening. Alderman Hurst moves and Alderman Howard seconds a motion that Alderman Wright be named Mayor pro tem. Voice vote. AYE: Unanimous. Mayor pro tem Wright called for roll call of Aldermen present Aldermen Sebree, Howard, Wright, Duncan, Hurst, Whitehead, Skinner, Long, Ellis, Kroell, Jennings, and George. Alderman Bender arriving for the meeting at 7:05 P.M. Absent: Alder- man Horton. In addition to the Council members, the press, city personnel, there were fifteen interested parties in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance was followed by Prayy-by Alderman Howard. City Clerk read the Notice of the Special meeting for the proposed rezoning, Fifth Ave Mayor pro tem Wright called for those opposed to the proposed rezoning to appear before the "mike", state .their name, address and position. Alderman Jennings inquired if any petitions had been presented and requested that the City Clerk read same. . Twenty four petitions were read by persons unable to attend the meeting but wishing that the proposed rezoning be abandoned. Alderman Jennings stated that the proposed rezoning should have gone through the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor pro tem Wright said the purpose of this meeting was to let the public present their views and asked the Aldermen to wait until the public had been heard. First to speak was Mrs. Ethel Spurgeon, 153 E. Locust St. Who reported that a great majority of the people living on Fifth Avenue were on small incomes and did not wish to give up their homes and that business places should be around the square, because parking meters cannot be placed on highway and the- City depends on parking meters for revenue. Furthermore, Fifth Avenue and Locust Street is- a very dangerous corner. Later she plans to present a petition with over one hundred names protesting this area to be rezoned to commercial use. Mayor pro tem Wright asked several times for opposing persons to speak and then asked for persons in favor of rezoning to take the floor. Letter from Richard Miller recommending rezoning was read by the Clerk. Eli Byrum, 215 W. Vine Street, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission stated that the commission favored the rezoning of Fifth Avenue and were also in favor of a study of the entire area, especially Fifth Avenue, Locust Street, and North Main Street. He reported that in the past the commission had recommended the two lots on the East side of Fifth Ave. and Locust St. be rezoned to a B-$ classification. tEiEpi6t'�s RR enayh;'Ep�x��egoR; nMSiTiethraso ��eP �Ygo g�fdo�ht�gta� A��r efine residences on Fifth Avenue, but the entire street has the appearance of being in a business area. When-society attempts to move ahead, there are always some who are opposed. Valuation of the properties will go up as property is used for commercial property which means increased sales and increased revenue for the city. The noise and increased traffic-wouldn't make a significant change but rezoning would make you proud to say you were a part of this move. Alderman Bender stated this plan should have more study and should be studied by some firm that is experienced in this type of work. Alderman Jennings still maintaining that the matter should have gone through the proper channels of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Alderman Hurst requested that every one present speak up on his feeling on this subject. Allie Beadles Ray, 505 E. Locust Street stated that she had lived on that corner as long as anyone and knew the problems as well as anyone -- not in favor of rezoning -- one reason, because it is a dangerous corner. 307 Lester Webb, 62 N. Fifth Ave. opposed because it is unknoown8whatnttype2of business will be erected there; and if rezoned and the street is commercial, there will be a need for more fire and police protection, besides, the city needs houses and the existing ones should not be torn down. Winey, Canevit, 504 E. Locust St. also spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning. Ethan Blackaby, owner of property on northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and Locust Street stated that he purchased the lot for future investment -- and that in the past the City had set up plans for the '�,uture betterment and individuals should not worry about themselves only -- State routes through cities will cause noise, but thatts progress, and we should look to what is best for the entire city. He favored rezoning. Alderman Ellis stated that. he was glad to hear the opinions of the residents so that further study could be made by the Council. F. Stewart Reed, 70 Laurel Drive, member of the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a very good talk for the betterment of our city, saying that nothing could be glined without someone losing but non& can stand in the growth of progress. The economic part of the question -- -rezoning may bring something better to some persons. Planning and Zoning Commission has tried to honestly and sincerely do a job for the city fathers and that the commission did recommend a pozibidn of this street be rezoned but nothing was done -- also had asked for funds to study rezoning but did not receive tham. "Ron" Reith, 102 East Tine St., in favor of rezoning. Regarding the noise that could be eliminated by resurfacing the streets. Roger Brush, R. R. #5, associated with the Junior Chamber of Commerce said he was not taking either side but in January a project came before the membership -- a committee was appointed to study traffic flow, especially on North Main Street and Locust Street. Three ideas were presented: widening the street, rounding the corners, or change the type of traffic light. No solution was solved because of the permanent injunction on the route. The International Harvester plant depends on good transportation for raw materials and the delivery of finished parts - and a great many people in Canton depend on the International Harvester for their employment. Alderman Jennings wished to clarify Mr. Blackabyts statement -- he has no per- sonal interest but he represents the people in his ward and "People are fighting for their homes". Mayor pro tem Wright inquired if anyone else wished to speak to the group. Alderman Hurst moves and Alderman Ellis seconds a motion that the communications to the Council and the records of this meeting be filed. Roll call vote. AYE: Unanimous. Alderman Bender moves and Alderman Duncan seconds a motion to adjourn. Voice vote. AYE: Unanimous. . Canton City Council Special Meeting for Hearing on proposed Rezoning of Fifth Avenue adjourns at 8:25 P. M. y Clerk ?NOTE: Petitions, copy of Resolution, etc. filed under "Zoning".