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Council fails to pass controversial rezoning

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

(Updated 10:41 pm)

By Amanda Lehmert
Staff Writer

GREENSBORO – The City Council did not have enough votes to pass a controversial N. Elm Street rezoning that could mean the demolition of an historic home that stands in the way of planned condominiums.

Abutters to the property filed a protest petition, which required a super-majority of council members to vote yes in order for the rezoning to be approved.

That didn’t happen Tuesday night. But the issue will come up at future council meetings.

It was the first rezoning with a protest petition to come before City Council since protest petition was reinstated by the state legislature earlier this year.

Developer Cornwallis Elm LLC asked for land at N. Elm Street and W. Cornwallis Road to be rezoned to allow for up to 24 condominiums to be built.

The plans call for the demolition of the Commencement House, the home at 2207 N. Elm Street built by Woman's College students in 1958 with the help of local architect Edward Loewenstein.

The developer planned to offer the house to anyone who would like to relocate it within 150 days, said John Stratton, who represented the developer.

Historic preservation experts, some neighbors, members of the class of ’58 and the city’s Commission on the Status of Women asked the City Council to help preserve the home.

“The Commencement House is a part of the unique history of our city,” said Benjamin Briggs, executive director of Preservation Greensboro.

Two neighbors signed a petition protesting the rezoning, which meant that six council members need to vote yes for it to be approved.

The motion to approve the rezoning failed 4 to 3, with Mayor Yvonne Johnson, Councilwoman Wells, and Councilwoman T. Dianne Bellamy-Small voting no.

Councilman Robbie Perkins abstained and Councilwoman Mary Rakestraw was absent.
Councilman Matheny later changed his vote to no – meaning he will be able to ask that the council reconsider the decision at a future council meeting.

An accompanying plan amendment request passed with the same 4 to 3 vote. But because it did not get enough votes, the issue will get a second hearing at the next City Council meeting.

The planned redevelopment cannot occur unless both the plan amendment and the rezoning request are approved, said City Planning Director Dick Hails.

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

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holland4

November 18, 2009 - 1:01 am EST

Council "fails to pass" or succeeds in not passing. Depends on which side you're on I guess.

buzzman

November 18, 2009 - 8:09 am EST

The NO votes by the 3 black council women was nothing more than just wanting to be difficult. This will pass later when we get some intelligent folks on council.
I can't believe that some folks think that the Commencement House is of enough significance to delay a good project which is supported by most of the neighborhood. It is owned by the developer who was gracious enough to offer it to those who think it should be preserved. If I were the developer, I would have it demolished post-haste so that the issue no longer exists.
Only in Greensboro do we find so many ignorant people!

jksal2002

November 18, 2009 - 8:32 am EST

Lets see, commercial zoning to the south, multifamily to the west, major church across the street. Seems like a ideal spot for multi-family. In-fact, isn't this the "infill" type of development that we are suppossed to be pushing? Folks, this is a non-descript ranch style house that you would never notice driving up Elm St. It is very similar to all those around except the Womens College class designed it. Is it odd that the women on teh Council are the only ones who really voted "no"? I expect Mr. Matheny to recall this issue at a future council meeting and hope it will pass.

Hyatt

November 18, 2009 - 8:58 am EST

For all practical purposes, the Commencement house is an eyesore.

Gofo gboro

November 18, 2009 - 10:15 am EST

I watched the council meeting last night in support of Mr. Stratton's plans and was disappointed in Council's vote. Honor the Women's College group with a plaque of recognition for their work and accomplishment and get rid of the eye sore. We need some positive growth in Gboro using private money and this is as good a place to start as any even if it is residential.

malvern

November 18, 2009 - 10:32 am EST

Very pleased with the council's decision. The Commencement House is a historic property, whose value lies beyond its common ranch design. Designed and built by a prominent architect and women from UNC-G, the house is an integral part of Greensboro's history. Do we really need abrasive, over-scaled and out-of-place condos in the neighborhood, save those for Summerfield. Even if the zoning eventually passes, its good for developers to have to work for their plans and not expect the community to roll over and bark.

jksal2002

November 18, 2009 - 11:08 am EST

If this house is so wonderful, I am sure someone will take it as it is being offered for free, and move it. To this point I believe there have been no takers.