The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted against the rezoning of 300 Moore St. on Jan. 14, following a heated discussion. This decision was made on the second reading of the rezoning request after the board had initially approved it on first reading.
Alderman Ricky Keith, who played a key role in the discussion, pointed out that the property was immediately put up for sale after the first reading, signaling that the owner was not serious about developing the land. “We passed it on first reading, and it immediately went up for sale,” Keith said. “There was never any real intention on developing this property.”
The owner had submitted a request to rezone the property, with the intention of developing it into a multi-home complex. However, the property was listed for sale as soon as the first reading was passed, making Keith question the real motive behind the rezoning request. He argued that the rezoning seemed to serve no purpose other than to increase the value of the property.
Keith, along with other members of the board, expressed concerns that approving the rezoning would set a dangerous precedent. The board discussed how changing the zoning ordinance for a property that was being marketed for sale could lead to unnecessary and time-consuming zoning changes in the future. Keith made a motion to deny the rezoning request, stating that it appeared to be a move designed purely to raise the value of the property.
The board members agreed with Keith’s assessment, and the motion to deny the rezoning request was passed unanimously. This decision was seen as a step toward ensuring that zoning laws in Pulaski were not altered for purposes unrelated to genuine development.
Hangar Project Moves Forward
The Pulaski Board also took a significant step toward expanding the city’s aviation infrastructure. The board opened bids for the construction of a new hangar at Abernathy Field Airport. City Administrator Terry Harrison informed the board that the new structure would be 12,000 square feet, which is slightly smaller than the previous hangar that had been built at the airport. Despite being smaller, the new hangar is expected to meet the airport’s growing needs.
The new building will be made of prefabricated metal and will have concrete flooring. Harrison explained that the design was chosen to ensure durability while keeping costs reasonable. The construction of the new hangar is expected to support aviation activities in the city and provide additional space for planes and equipment.
Demolition
The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen opened bids for the demolition of the old Murco building to open up the lot.
Harrison told the board the price included the removal of the materials left from the destruction, and the city would not be responsible for removal.
In other business, the Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen:
• Approved a parade permit for the Beekeeper’s Association on March 10.
• Approved a parade permit for Family by Design on June 7.
• Opened Bids for the new HVAC system at City Hall.
The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen will next meet in regular session at noon Tuesday, Jan. 28, a
City Hall.
Other Business
The Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen also addressed a few other routine matters during the meeting. One of the key approvals was for two parade permits. The Beekeeper’s Association was granted a parade permit for their event on March 10, while Family by Design was approved for a parade on June 7. These parades are expected to bring the community together and celebrate different local causes.
In addition to the parade permits, the board also opened bids for the installation of a new HVAC system at City Hall. The city has been considering upgrades to City Hall’s heating and cooling system to improve the comfort and efficiency of the building, especially during extreme weather conditions. The HVAC system will be installed to provide better climate control and ensure that the building is operating at maximum efficiency.
The next regular meeting of the Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen will take place at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at City Hall. The board is expected to discuss more projects and developments that could have a significant impact on the city’s future.
The decision to vote down the property rezoning request reflects the board’s commitment to ensuring that zoning changes are made with careful consideration and only when they are truly necessary. By rejecting the rezoning of 300 Moore St., the board has made it clear that zoning laws should not be altered for the purpose of marketing or increasing property value, but rather for real and thoughtful development projects.
With the approval of the hangar project, the demolition of the Murco building, and the opening of bids for the new HVAC system, the Pulaski Board is continuing its work to support the growth and development of the city. Each of these projects plays an important role in improving infrastructure, providing services, and ensuring that Pulaski remains a vibrant place for both residents and visitors.
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