By Mindy Ragan Wood, Staff Writer – A clash of opinions on rezoning an area in Piedmont for duplexes created a split vote among the city council Monday night.
In the end, the request was approved with Mayor Valerie Thomerson casting the deciding vote in favor of the rezoning.
Homebuilder O.A. Garr applied to rezone several lots between Stout and Monroe Avenue as multifamily homes for duplex development. Kevan Blasdel and Melissa Ashford voted against the proposal.
“This doesn’t happen often,” the mayor said, addressing Ashford and Blasdel. “May I ask why?”
Ashford said rezoning the area would violate the 2030 plan. The 2030 plan was developed in 2012 based on the wishes of the public regarding zoning and other issues. The council does not have to abide by the plan but is used as a point of reference.
Blasdel said it did not seem fair to place duplexes near homeowners who did not foresee the rezoning when they moved to Piedmont.
“I think this duplex is out of place…it shows areas where the old town area, east of Piedmont Road is zoned for duplexes. It’s vacant land and zoned for duplexes. On Stout, you are surrounded by single family residences. A lot of the people who live there are owners and it would be very unfortunate if we approved a duplex in that area…I don’t think that’s fair at all.”
Ashford said she has spoken with residents in that area.
“My ward backs up to that and I’ve talked to a lot of people who don’t want it. They have no problem with single family housing. We’re getting ready to overhaul the downtown area and I don’t want duplexes to be the first impression of Piedmont that people have when they come to visit because they’re going to be collectively in the downtown area where we hold events. I have experiences with duplexes and people don’t always take care of them. We have proof of that on the east side of Piedmont Road,” she said.
Garr acknowledged there can be a problem with rental properties, but he wants the homes his company builds to appreciate in value.
Ashford asked if he thought the citizens were happy about the rental properties that exist there. Garr said he had not spoken to the home owners. Ashford said rezoning the area goes against the 2030 plan. Garr admitted that the planning commission pointed out a previous rule that would not allow duplexes west of Piedmont Road.
“We were told on the planning commission that the 2030 plan there would no duplexes west of Piedmont Road. I questioned why. You should have some types of multiple rentals all over the community. You don’t want 10,000 apartment units like they do at Rockwell and 63rd. It creates crimes and it’s a mess but there’s a lot of folks who want a nice place to live but can’t afford to buy a home and from an investor’s standpoint obviously we’re interested in that. We think we have a good reputation. We’ve been in business since 1969. We’ve built 4,000 units in Oklahoma City. We live in this community.”
Ashford asked him about the issue of affordable buying options for people when most rent houses are $1,000 and up a month.
“How does that constitute not being able to afford a house, but they can pay $1,200 a month?”
“They haven’t necessarily established credit,” he said.
“So, they have bad credit?” Ashford said.
“We have people who can buy a home, but they don’t want the responsibility of home ownership. Sometimes they have bad credit,” Garr replied.
Brown decried the lack of affordable housing for workers who need to live in town for their job.
“The 2030 plan did not designate the downtown area as a different area,” Brown said.
“There are a lot of things that can happen in the downtown plat that can’t happen anywhere else. If not here, then where?”
Ashford argued that the planning commissioner turned down the zoning request. Brown called for a vote and said it was up to the mayor who agreed to the rezoning. Al Gleichman was not present.
“I don’t know if you all are familiar and although I don’t know him personally, I certainly know his building reputation and its one of the best in the business. I know he builds quality products. I’m going to vote yes.”
Councilmen Bobby Williamson and Brown also voted for the rezoning proposal.
