City & Government, Community, Springfield

Fate of Patrician Mobile Home Park still undecided

SPRINGFIELD – Citizens filled the seats and lined the walls in the Springfield City Council Chambers for Tuesday night’s Council meeting.
More than 30 people spoke on the possible rezoning of 13.6 acres of land between Beltline and Game Farm Road – the current location of the Patrician, a 55-and-over mobile home park.
Several came to the podium with the assistance of a wheelchair, walker, cane or powerchair. With 130 residents, the park is largely comprised of veterans, disabled, low-income people and elderly – with some residents being in their 90s.
The argument in support of the rezoning was put forth by Teresa Bishow, of Bishow Consulting, LLC on behalf of the applicant Richard D. Boyles, manager of Urban Transitions, LLC owner of The Patrician.
The application for a request rezoning from a low density residential area to a mixed use commercial area was filed in mid-March. The stated purpose of the application was to: “allow redevelopment of the site for a new vibrant mix of uses that will stimulate job growth, support the hospitality industry, and provide new diverse housing options.”
The Planning Commission had narrowly recommended denying to zoning change in a 4-3 vote. Looking to the stated long term goals of the Metro Plan, Gateway Refinement Plan, and the Springfield 2010 Comprehensive Plan, the Commission “weighed the policies in favor of protecting existing residential neighborhoods and low-income housing more heavily than the policies in favor of mixed-use development.”
However, the Springfield City Council will make the final decision, to accept the Planning Commissions recommendation to deny the application or to approve the request. Tuesday’s meeting was the first of at least two required readings before a decision will be made by the City Council.
Tuesday’s testimony included dozens of pleas on behalf of keeping the current low density zoning to preserve The Patrician Mobile Home Park and prevent its residents and their pets from possible displacement and homelessness.
After listening to the concerns from both residents of the Park and other concerned citizens, the City Council decided to keep the public record open for more testimonies both written and in person before a decision will be made.
The discussion will continue at the City Council Meeting on Sept. 16.

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