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Panels favors two rezoning requests, advises against third

By Blackwell Thomas, The Southern

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 11:38 PM CDT

CARBONDALE - A book on Robert's Rules of Order might have come in handy Wednesday as members of the Planning Commission found themselves getting mired in the details of three zoning requests.

At one point during the two-hour meeting, commission member Gayle Klam found herself voting 'yes' before quickly reversing her vote with a laugh.

Klam wasn't alone as the board considered recommending rezoning the bottom floors of three properties to switch from commercial to residential rental units.

The properties all sit on the block of West Cherry and Hospital Streets, and Illinois and University Avenues. All are associated with Henry Fisher of the local agency Home Rentals, who is serving a prison sentence for criminal sexual assault.

Officially, the properties are listed as being owned by Lindsey Fisher, daughter of Henry Fisher and PK Land Trust, which controls many of Henry Fisher's properties.

Ultimately, commissioners recommended that the city council approve re-zonings for two of the properties, one at 510 S. University Ave., the other at 205 W. Cherry Street. Both properties' permits would be subject to review in 12 months and both would have to add enough parking for six vehicles each.

The lone property denied a recommendation to be rezoned was at 503 S. University Ave., located on the northeast corner of University Avenue and Hospital Street. Commission members cited parking concerns in denying that recommendation.

Each of the properties had at one point been a functioning commercial property, although each also had been vacant for years.

Resident and Arbor District member Sandy Litecky said she objected to the re-zonings on University Avenue because she believed they would create more difficult traffic and parking.

"You look at where they are in relation to Old National Bank," she said of the bank which sits on the southeast corner of Hospital Street and University Ave. "It's the big bank in this city and getting in and out is already a hassle. Getting from their parking lot onto Hospital Drive, it's not a wide enough street."

Resident Stephen Howe of 207 W. Cherry St. spoke against the rezonings. He said he had concerns about water runoff in any newly constructed parking spaces, which the city would require be paved.

Lawyer Scott Hendricks, who was representing PK Land Trust, refused comment after the meeting.

Blackwell.thomas@thesouthern.com

351-5823