Kinman withdraws plan to develop property

By SARAH BEACH

The News-Democrat Intern

Herb Kinman has withdrawn his proposed plan to develop the property bordered by Port William Lane and Schuerman Street in Carrollton.

His proposal would have meant two duplexes and an alley would be built on the triangular piece of land.

At the public hearing before the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Monday, July 2, Kinman asked of the eight community members assembled if they had any objections. Many of them raised their hands.

Kinman said that his original plan was that if any one person objected to the project, he would withdraw.

Eva Ford, a 45-year resident of Port William Lane, was one of those who stepped forward to the podium to present her objection.

Her concern primarily was with the children of any families residing in the duplexes. The children would have no room to play and would then play in her and her neighbors’ yards.

Her second concern was the narrowness of the property and the lack of access should a fire emergency occur.

“You can’t just put houses in people’s backyard,” Ford said.

The other attending community members were in agreement.

After some discussion by the commission members, Kinman formally withdrew his proposal.

The property has approximately 144 feet of road front on Schuerman. According to commission member Sam Burgess, this meets the minimum requirement and is consistent with regulation.

Kinman will now explore other options, such as selling the property or building only one duplex or house, which would not fall under Planning and Zoning’s jurisdiction.

“I don’t want to be a bad neighbor and I’m not trying to be,” Kinman said.

The commission’s regular meeting consisted primarily of a review of the existing draft ordinance for a mixed-use zoning district.

Topics of discussion included the appropriate size of signage for businesses in the downtown area and the feasibility of bank drive-thrus in this zone. This zone covers much of the downtown area. The commission is aiming for a historic, pedestrian-friendly environment.