A 2-1 vote on June 11 by the Board of Zoning Appeals will allow a homeless shelter to be established at 107 Goldsborough St.
Testimony by supporters and detractors during a May 13 public meeting about the issue was weighed by the Board—would a homeless shelter in a residential but commercially zoned area meet the district’s criteria required by the Central Business Commercial District?
Of the three Zoning Board members, Chairman Peter Cotter expressed the most concern with what he perceived as a lack of open play space for children, the effect a homeless shelter would have on property values, and possible parking issues.
Board members Gary Molchan and Doris Mason disagreed that any of these points would keep the shelter request from meeting the requirements for special exception noting that the area was already diverse with residences and businesses, and its presence did not conflict with the overall Comprehensive Plan, considering it further diversification.
If an appeal is filed, the issue would be sent to a circuit court for ruling.
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