news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Lindley Park neighbors are fighting a proposed development for their community.

A dozen nearby property owners have signed a protest petition against a rezoning request at Spring Garden and South Elam Avenue that would allow for multi-family units and a small amount of commercial space.

Turned in Thursday afternoon, it’s only the second protest petition submitted to the city clerk since the legislature repealed a law that made Greensboro exempt from the tool that helps property owners fight rezonings.

If the petition is validated by staff, it could be the first protest petition to go before City Council, which would have to approve the rezoning by a 7 to 2 margin for it to pass.

An attorney who represents the developer, Typar Properties, could not be reached for comment late Thursday.

In January, the Zoning Commission rejected the developer’s request to rezone the property to construct two-story buildings with 43 housing units. At the time, the developer also asked for a special-use permit to build a parking lot on an adjacent lot.

Neighbors opposed the density and the use of the lot for parking.

Typar had appealed the zoning decision to the City Council, but ultimately went back to the Zoning Commission with another plan.

This time, the Zoning Commission approved of a plan to build commercial space and up to 40 apartments in a mix of two- and three-story buildings.

The developer is also asking for an amendment to the Lindley Park Neighborhood Plan to allow mixed-use buildings on the property.

The Lindley Park Neighborhood Association members have opposed the development, saying it was too dense for the community.

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com.