Notice by City on Development Projects is Needed
The City of Huntington's current policy for notifying residents of proposed development projects and zoning appeals that affect residential neighborhoods is inadequate. An example of its shortcomings was obvious recently when a developer's plans for building 25-30 apartment units, along with 100 storage units at 745 3rd Street in West Huntington was considered by the Huntington City Council at its September 28, 2009, meeting.
It was revealed that a developer had applied for a $300,000 Federal Home Program Grant which would require an undetermined number of low-income housing units. No one could verify the required number.
A large group of residents from the neighborhood surrounding the proposed site attended the city council meeting to protest the rezoning ordinance and development proposal for the address. The neighborhood group voiced several concerns as to the inconsistent and flawed manner in how the rezoning ordinance was handled. They were alarmed that only sixty (60) notification letters were sent to residents near the subject property, most going to addresses outside of their district (District #4) which were not impacted by the proposed development.
Thankfully these residents were concerned enough to distribute fliers to the residents close to the project. They had no prior knowledge that the zoning change ordinance would be on the agenda for a final vote at the city council meeting.
The group was additionally concerned about the sewer and sanitation problems, traffic issues. Fortunately for the neighborhood, the rezoning has been canceled because the property owners withdrew their offer to sell the property.
The city council should implement a better notification process that informs a larger number of residents. If possible, to everyone in the affected district. The current 200-foot radius used for notification is not ample to allow citizens who are impacted by ANY proposal to voice their opinion.
Please contact your city council representatives and ask them if they would raise this issue in one of their upcoming meetings. Request that they vote to make an inquiry into the idea of changing the Huntington City Code, making the code more appropriate and responsive to those of us who live within the city of Huntington.
The westside neighborhood group wants to make sure other Huntington residents are aware of what could happen in their districts without ever hearing from the city about drastic changes that may affect the quality of their lives, environment and property value.
For further information, please call Mary Bryan at (304) 525-2255, or Terry Ballard at (304) 522-3461. They brought this situation to our attention.
It was revealed that a developer had applied for a $300,000 Federal Home Program Grant which would require an undetermined number of low-income housing units. No one could verify the required number.
A large group of residents from the neighborhood surrounding the proposed site attended the city council meeting to protest the rezoning ordinance and development proposal for the address. The neighborhood group voiced several concerns as to the inconsistent and flawed manner in how the rezoning ordinance was handled. They were alarmed that only sixty (60) notification letters were sent to residents near the subject property, most going to addresses outside of their district (District #4) which were not impacted by the proposed development.
Thankfully these residents were concerned enough to distribute fliers to the residents close to the project. They had no prior knowledge that the zoning change ordinance would be on the agenda for a final vote at the city council meeting.
The group was additionally concerned about the sewer and sanitation problems, traffic issues. Fortunately for the neighborhood, the rezoning has been canceled because the property owners withdrew their offer to sell the property.
The city council should implement a better notification process that informs a larger number of residents. If possible, to everyone in the affected district. The current 200-foot radius used for notification is not ample to allow citizens who are impacted by ANY proposal to voice their opinion.
Please contact your city council representatives and ask them if they would raise this issue in one of their upcoming meetings. Request that they vote to make an inquiry into the idea of changing the Huntington City Code, making the code more appropriate and responsive to those of us who live within the city of Huntington.
The westside neighborhood group wants to make sure other Huntington residents are aware of what could happen in their districts without ever hearing from the city about drastic changes that may affect the quality of their lives, environment and property value.
For further information, please call Mary Bryan at (304) 525-2255, or Terry Ballard at (304) 522-3461. They brought this situation to our attention.
posted C. Richard Cobb, Sr. @10:09 AM 
