The owner of property in the 1800 block of Pine Breeze Road, George Back, and developers John Coffett and Jonathan Bailey received final approval from the Red Bank Commission on Tuesday night, to rezone it from RT-1 Residential Townhomes to R-3 High Density Residential Zero Lot Line. The zoning change will allow a Planned Unit Development that requires the R-3 high density zoning. Plans are for the PUD to have three types of housing, four units each having four individual attached townhouses, nine small houses of about 1,600 square feet on small lots, and seven larger ones from 1,800 to 2,400 square feet.
Although the new zoning would permit apartments, they will not be allowed. All homes will be owner occupied. Conditions on the rezoning put a maximum of 29 units on the property and the site must be developed in three years or the zoning will revert back to RT-1. The same developers previously built The Cottages in Ashmore.
On Tuesday, the commissioners authorized the issuance of a special exceptions permit to Jacob Becker, enabling him to build a duplex at 4 Trenton St. The property is in an R-3 zone which allows a two-family dwelling. The small lot is surrounded by various structures including apartments and single-family residences and is fronted by commercial development so a duplex is acceptable, said Commissioner Carol Rose. An easement where the 19-foot wide driveway provides access to the nearby apartments is the only concern since the width of the easement may be six feet less than what has been used for the driveway for many years. City Manager Tim Thornbury will review the setbacks from utility lines that run under ground to determine if they conform to the zoning ordinance.
A resolution gave approval to apply for the 2020 Traffic Safety Grant for $3,500, that is offered through the American Automobile Association. This grant requires no match from the city. If received, the money will be used by the Red Bank police department for materials to promote driver safety.
Since the first meeting in December, the city commissioners and planning commission have been deliberating changes to the city’s design review standards in order to help commercial business moving into Red Bank. A one-year moratorium is being considered to allow time to make changes that will not deter commercial development. A final vote that would place an enforcement moratorium on the design review ordinance was tabled until the commission meeting on Feb. 4.
Vice Mayor Ruth Jeno announced the need for volunteers to help with an outreach program for sending hand-made Valentines to local veterans. Last year she said that 1,100 were sent. On Jan. 18 and 25 volunteers are needed at the Red Bank Community Center to create cards that will be sent this February.