When it comes to rezoning requests in from of the Bridgeport Planning Commission, particularly when it involves going from a residential designation to a commercial one, things aren’t always cordial. Last week, however, the trend was bucked despite the person seeking the rezoning seeing a chance to expand a city business denied.

 

Aaron Jones of GroundsPro Lawn & Property Care, a landscaping business in Bridgeport, was seeking to construct a pole building to help with the storage of vehicles and equipment on property he owned. The property in question is in the area near Route 131, Broadway Avenue and Olive Street.

 

“I don’t want to disrupt a lot of residential stuff,” said Jones when talking about access to his proposed project.

 

Jones had four parcels he was looking to have rezoned. The parcels are currently listed as Residential-3, which allows for single family, multi-family and duplex units. He was seeking to go to Business-1, which allows for small scale commercial business.

 

In making his pitch, Jones said there would be little action on the site outside of trucks coming into the area before and after the workday. He also added that some of the property would be utilized for storage outside of the building for items such as salt spreaders.

 

Another item Jones brought up was that the property was abutted by property zoned for business and that it was near RDR Energy Resources, which is in the former Skate World building, and was next to the residential area of the neighborhood. However, it was pointed out that RDR – as well as when it was Skate World – is outside the city limits.

 

Several individuals spoke respectfully against the plan, all from the Whiteman family. Richard Whiteman spoke first and, immediately talked about handling the matter calmly.

 

“We in Bridgeport have always lived together peacefully. Hopefully, we can settle all of these things amicably,” Richard Whiteman said.

 

Whiteman spelled out the benefits of living in a city, including police and fire protection. He then spelled out the one he felt mattered most in the ongoing situation.

 

“The biggest thing we’re thinking is zoning protection. If you live in the county, you can end up with a barn beside you, a junkyard beside you, a dilapidated trailer or whatever else,” he said. “In the city, when you build in R-3, you expect it to remain that way for your protection and protection of your property.”

 

Paul Whiteman, of Whiteman Properties, also spoke. He backed many of the similar issues, but also added that the moving of equipment would create issues with dust for properties in the area.

 

The final complaint came from Diane Whiteman. She issued her concerns via letter and backed the concerns of Richard and Paul Whiteman.

 

With the concerns voiced, all the members of the Planning Commission discussed concerns. Most of them centered on the fact there was opposition and what could happen in the event Jones sold the property.

 

Doug Gray said his concern was related to what would happen if he had an offer too good to turn down for the property and sold it. It would open the door for any type of business to go in the location.

 

Council representative Robert “Bob” Greer brought up a long unwritten standard that usually takes place with rezoning requests.

 

“Usually, whenever there is one neighbor in opposition, we’ve shot down the request,” said Greer.

 

Member Philip Freeman and Commission President Rodney Kidd backed those assessments. After that, the group voted to deny the rezoning request. Community Development Director Andrea Kerr, who represents city staff on the board, said the matter would be closed.

 

“He would have the option to bring this before Council,” said Kerr.

 

Council typically backs all recommendations made by the Planning Commission. Jones gave no indication he would go that route as the group broke after the meeting adjourned amicably as Richard Whiteman had suggested.

 

In other business, the Planning Commission did approve the request of Reep Revocable Trust to subdivide a parcel located on Bartlett Avenue. The Commission did approve that despite one of the lots having a storage building on it, which is not allowed under current city rules.

 

“That’s been grandfathered in,” said Kerr, which means the building was put on the lot prior to the introduction of the rules regarding what can be situated on a city parcel.

 

One neighbor did have concerns. Precious Culp was curious as to what could be situated on the parcels once divided. Kerr was able to address that issue.

 

“It’s zones R-1 (single-family units) and we don’t spot one … The only thing he would be allowed to put on the remaining parcel would be a single-family home,” said Kerr.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr going over drawings at Monday's meeting, while business owner Aaron Jones makes a point in the second photo. Council representative on the Planning Commission Robert "Bob" Greer talks about precedent with those gathered, while Paul Whiteman lists his issues with the proposed project. At the bottom, Commission member Philip Freeman addresses those gathered.