93-67 GRANTING SPECIAL PERMIT HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD USE - 2495 NORTH WATER STREET

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City Plan Commission Meeting of September 2 , 1993 Cal. No. 93-63 Petition of ANN C. JAMESON for a special use permit to allow the operation of a retail custom framing and art shop as a historic neighborhood use on premises commonly known as 2495 North Water Street. Mr. Dick Chamblin, 49 Southside Country Club Road, was present and spoke for the petition representing Mrs. Jameson. Mr. Chamblin owned the schoolhouse and used it as an office for approximately 15 years. The building has been vacant for two years. Mr. Chamblin stated that Mrs. Jameson is sympathetic to the architecture of the building and her business would be a low impact commercial use. Mr. Kaptain questioned the addition as seen on the plat. Mr. Chamblin stated that structure was never built. Mr. Demirjian questioned what type of delivery vehicle would be at the shop. Mrs. Jameson stated that United Parcel Service is used. Mr. McQueen presented the recommendation of staff: The subject petition requests a special use permit to allow a retail business as an historic neighborhood use on premises at 2495 North Water Street. The Zoning Ordinance at Section XXI. (Special Use Regulations) provides for such historic neighborhood use on premises within the Decatur Historic District or on those sites designated by the City of Decatur as a Historic and Architectural Land Mark. The property in question is designated as a Historic and Architectural Land Mark; it is commonly known as the Jones School. This tract was zoned O-1 Office District in 1976 after which it was used for an accounting of f ice and a window display office. Inasmuch as property to the immediate south is zoned and developed residential, staff does not support commercial zoning for this parcel. The special use permit as requested would provide for a reasonable and logical use of this historic facility without the potential of detrimental effects from expansion of commercial zoning. Staff recommends approval of the petition with the following stipulations: (1) that the proposed development be in accordance with the site plan, building elevations, and photographs as submitted by the petitioner, and (2) that a minimum of three off street parking spaces and access thereto be paved with asphalt or concrete or an equivalent material as determined to be acceptable by the Directors of Community Development and Public Works. Mr. Chamblin stated that the issue of paving the parking area had been discussed before and the neighborhood expressed concern over an asphalt or concrete parking lot. Drainage is also a concern.