Main Street Fairview
FAIRVIEW WEATHER
physicians-mutual-dental-insurance-banners

Split vote by City Board leads to no action on two Northwest Hwy annexation requests




After a 2-2 split vote, the Fairview Board of Commissioners took no action at their April meeting on two separate requests to annex property on Northwest Highway.

The first annexation request was for 5.384 acres on Northwest Highway owned by Jingo Building Group.

The development plan for the property was a residential subdivision with homes in the $650,000 to $800,000 price point. The proposal received a unanimous recommendation from the city planning commission prior to being brought before the board of commissioners.

With an R-20 Single Family Medium-Density Zoning, the property met the zoning as shown in the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

In the discussion on the agenda item, Vice Mayor Lisa Anderson asked for an explanation from any city commission members voting against the annexation. Commissioner Rod Dawson added that he knew of no reason not to annex the property.

With City Commissioner Brandon Butler, owner of the Jingo Building Group, recusing himself, the board vote came down to a 2-2 tie, resulting in no action taken on a request. Mayor Debby Rainey and Commissioner Scott Lucas both voted against the annexation without stating their reason.

The same annexation request was presented in November 2020 and received a 2-2 vote with no reason given.

Also at the April meeting, the board voted 2-2 ,taking no action, on a request to annex 9.94 acres at 7282 Northwest Highway. The property with R-20 Single Family Medium-Density Zoning is owned by Tony and Melissa Cavender, who proposed developing a subdivision on the property.

Dawson reemphasized that citizens want to hear from the commissioners regarding their reasons behind their vote if opposing a request.

Again, Rainey and Lucas did not offer any insight into their opposing votes.

Cavender said he is confused, “We (the city) paid $100,000 for a plan that shows higher density for this property, but we’re not following it.” He added, “I don’t know what this board wants me to do or what they want Fairview to be. I’m missing why you’re voting against it.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS

The rezoning of 1.58 acres at 7109 Sleepy Hollow Road from RS-40 to R-20 was approved to allow owner Nicholas Vacco to create two lots and construct a second single family home.

The board voted against rezoning .89 acres at 7001 City Center Way to allow for the construction of a carwash by Family Advantage Federal Credit Union. More than one commissioner cited the proposed business was not a good match for the city center property located between Hardee’s and FirstBank.

The vote to rezone 124.43 acres off Wayne’s Lane and Mangrum Lane to develop The Groves subdivision was postponed until the May 6 City Commission meeting. Many residents have voiced concerns about traffic, stormwater runoff and the impact on the nature park and adjacent Cox Run Subdivision.

Leave a Reply