"Cherrylawn Circle is a residential cul-de-sac that does not have the necessary road or parking infrastructure to support commercial use," neighbor Elizabeth Nitsch said in a written statement. "The applicant has also proposed typical office hours for these buildings, meaning that they will sit vacant at night and on the weekends. The unoccupied commercial buildings along Manor already see high rates of property crime, drug sales, and trespassing."
Critics claim the proposed use is out of step with the existing residential setting, citing increased traffic, insufficient parking capacity and nighttime safety among their myriad concerns.
The move would also violate guidelines outlined in the city's zoning principles, which state that "zoning should satisfy a public need, and not constitute a grant of privilege to an individual owner."
After a significant backlash from the community, applicant Emerson Smith is rethinking his approach and has promised to return with an alternative proposal next month.
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