Poplar Bluff officials reach compromise for Katy Lane property zoning

A previously controversial zoning change for a section of Katy Lane near Barron Road was approved Monday night after a compromise was reached between the city, owners and neighbors.

It was one of five items approved by the Poplar Bluff City Council, including changes to the application process to sell liquor by the drink.

Property

Similar attempts to rezone the same Katy Lane property from general residential to office professional for future development failed in previous years because of the opposition of neighbors who feared commercial encroachment.

The change was approved with the stipulation that a deed restriction requires a permanent vegetative screen to be maintained along the property line between the office professional and residential zoned areas.

The 1.61-acre section is located east of 2700 Katy Lane and north of 2438 Katy Lane.

The compromise was praised during an earlier May meeting by both the owners, Dan Barbour and the Barbour family, as well as residents of the area.

“I think I’ve been here (at city council) over the last 20 years, several times. We’ve more or less fought what we call encroachment on our neighborhood,” said former teacher Laura Clark, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1969. “I think we’ve probably had as much encroachment as I would like.”

The vegetative barrier will block both the view and the noise from the commercial development, said Clark.

Longtime neighbor Barbara James agreed, saying she was satisfied with the stipulations.

Barbour told council members earlier this month he appreciated the help of city planner Matt Winters in reaching this point.

“My grandfather bought that property back in 1948,” he said. “I think the city has kind of grown up around our country property. I think the compromise is reasonable.”

Liquor

More alcohol sales could be allowed downtown through a change in the conditional use permit process to sell liquor by the drink.

The change applies to all permit requests made for a city location but is meant to provide relief for a requirement specific to the downtown area that businesses make at least 50% of their sales by serving food, according to previous discussions by the council.

City officials believe that by making the permit process more detailed, they can remove that condition for the downtown area without adverse effect.

Changes to the permit process will require applicants answer additional questions about their business plan, such as: how would the location not adversely affect the general welfare of the surrounding businesses; what would the net employment gain be; would it be a unique addition; and would it increase sales tax collections.

The change was previously opposed by council member at-large Ron Black, who said the permit process would only be as good as those who oversaw it.

All items Monday were approved 6-0, with Black absent.

Other business

In other business, the council approved:

• An amendment to language in city ordinances regarding small wireless communication facilities in all zoning districts establishing a permit process for construction.

• The donation of airpacks and accessories to Three Rivers College Fire Science Program.

• The destruction of antiquated records at the police department per state regulations regarding the length of time the items must be maintained.