The Rome City Commission addressed several zoning and development matters during its recent meeting, including requests involving a former hotel on Highway 411, a rooming house on East 19th Street and two property rezoning applications.
Former Hotel on Highway 411 Denied Multifamily Permit
The commission unanimously denied a special use permit request for properties at 10 Highway 411 and Highway 411 that would have allowed multifamily residential use in the Community Commercial zoning district.
Planning Director Brice Wood presented SUP26-08-02 and explained that the property was originally constructed as a hotel but has been used in recent years as a senior living facility.
The Planning Commission had previously recommended denial of the request without prejudice.
Representing the property owners, Jarrett Wilbanks of Kennesaw spoke in favor of the permit. He said the owners want to convert the former hotel into 87 apartment units, with plans originally calling for two- and three-bedroom apartments along with micro-units.
Wilbanks acknowledged that the city’s upcoming new land development code could eventually make the proposed use non-conforming. He said, however, that approval of the permit would establish the use as a legal non-conforming use.
During discussion, Wood pointed out that the Community Commercial zoning district is expected to be eliminated under the city’s upcoming land development code. That was one of the concerns surrounding the request.
Commissioners also questioned whether the owners would consider returning the property to hotel use, particularly given Rome’s shortage of hotel rooms.
Wilbanks said the owners specialize in multifamily rental housing rather than hotel operations. He also said prospective tenants would undergo background checks.
Commissioners questioned whether coin-operated amusement machines, commonly known as COAMs, could be placed in commercial spaces at the property. Wilbanks said that possibility had not been discussed.
Wilbanks also said the apartment layout could be modified to eliminate micro-studios and instead provide one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
After discussion, Commissioner Robinson moved to deny the special use permit without prejudice. Commissioner Beeman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
East 19th Street Rooming House Permit Denied
The commission also unanimously denied a special use permit for 304 East 19th Street.
SUP26-08-03 sought approval for High Density Traditional Residential use at the property.
Wood said the property has been used as a rooming and boarding house. The city has received complaints from neighboring properties, including reports that there was no manager on site.
Wood also said the property appeared to be occupied and may have recently changed ownership.
A public hearing was held, but no one spoke either in favor of or against the request.
Commissioner Craig McDaniel moved to deny the permit, with Commissioner Wayne Robinson seconding. The motion was unanimously approved.
Following the vote, City Manager Sammy Rich was directed to have the city’s Code Enforcement personnel investigate activities at the property.
Innovation Way Property Rezoned for Office Use
Commissioners approved a request to rezone property at 1 Innovation Way from Heavy Industrial to Office Institutional.
Planning Director Brice Wood said the property has traditionally been used for office purposes and is located within the Between the Rivers Historic District.
Jason Free of Blue Ridge spoke in favor of the rezoning. Free said the facility has primarily been used as an office and that the rezoning would correct the property’s zoning classification while allowing office use to continue.
He said the current plan is to use the location for a real estate office.
Commissioner McDaniel announced that he would not participate in the discussion or vote.
Commissioner Robinson asked Assistant City Attorney Frank Beacham whether he should also abstain because Toles, Temple and Wright Real Estate is involved with the property. Beacham advised Robinson that he could participate because he was not involved in the sale, purchase or ownership of the property and would not benefit from the transaction or use.
Commissioner Mark Cochran moved to approve the rezoning, with Commissioner Harry Brock seconding.
The measure passed with Commissioners Robinson, Brock, Cochran, Beeman, Fisher and Hixon voting in favor. McDaniel abstained.
West 2nd Street Rezoning Approved
The commission also unanimously approved a rezoning request for 711 West 2nd Street.
The property was requested to be rezoned from Office Institutional to Neighborhood Office Commercial.
Wood explained that the home has always been used as a residence. The owner discovered the property’s zoning classification when he attempted to obtain a permit to build a deck.
The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval.
Property owner and resident Claude Corbin spoke in favor of the request and confirmed that he became aware of the zoning issue while seeking the building permit.
Commissioner Robinson made the motion to approve the rezoning, and Commissioner Cochran seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Rome Seeks $26,509 Justice Assistance Grant
The commission also approved a resolution authorizing the city to apply for $26,509 in Justice Assistance Grant funding.
City Manager Rich said the money would be used to purchase 50 water-fillable jersey-style barriers for traffic control and safety at public events.
Rome Police Major Rusty Blair spoke in favor of the grant application and explained that it is being jointly pursued by the Rome Police Department and Floyd County Police Department.
Blair said Rome has benefited from Justice Assistance Grants in previous years. If awarded, the latest funding would allow the city to replace some of the existing barriers in its inventory.
Following the public hearing, Commissioner Cochran moved to approve the grant application. Commissioner Fisher seconded the motion.
The resolution was unanimously approved.
