Council settles zoning battle

By Dale Liesch (Contact) | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Dadeville City Council will only rezone one of five total parcels of land to allow Prime Management to expand its Wilder Healthcare facility into an assisted living home.

The decision by the council to only rezone a parcel on the corner of Spring and Lafayette streets comes after a vote to allow rezoning of all five parcels on Spring and School streets from single family residential to multi-family residential was rescinded.

Residents along Spring and School streets voiced opposition to the proposal at a public hearing to discuss the matter Tuesday.

Resident Erica Harris told the council that a decision to rezone lots near her would prevent her from rebuilding her house if it burned down.

“I disapprove of the rezoning of the property on Spring Street,” Harris said. “I am just against it.”

Harris added the street is too narrow and an expansion of the healthcare facility would put it too close to her house.

The Rev. Mike Beck also disapproved of the move because of fear he wouldn’t be able to rebuild his home on Spring Street after a disaster.

City Attorney Robin Reynolds insisted the rezoning of the property in question would not mean their property would be rezoned.

“The city is not considering rezoning your lots,” Reynolds said. “The city is considering zoning lots adjacent to yours.”

Martha Lambert, a spokesperson for Prime Management, told the council and concerned citizens that the land would be used to expand the recently closed Wilder Healthcare facility into an assisted living home. She said the company wanted additional land in order to keep open the option to build individual condominium-type residences for the elderly.

The council decided in a 3-0 vote to allow for one parcel or two lots to be rezoned to the R3 designation while leaving the other four parcels as is. Councilwoman and Mayor pro tem Patricia Potts said she opposed the move, but abstained from the vote. Councilman Mike Richardson was not present at the meeting.

Councilman Jimmy Frank Goodman said the council was trying to find a suitable compromise to the tough situation.

“I know we need the jobs, but we’re elected by the people to help the people,” Goodman said. “We’re trying to help everyone in this. Everyone takes a little and everyone gives a little.”

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