West 7th Neighbors Oppose Nonconforming Use Permit for 237 Richmond
The West 7th/Fort Road Federation has asked the Planning Commission to deny to the current owners of 237 Richmond a nonconforming use permit for the site, saying it does not hold up with current zoning standards.
The current owners purchased the property, the former Magic’s Auto Repair, in June of 2023 and have been using it as a storage facility for their construction business since. The initial nonconforming use permit expired on December 31, 2023 and the current occupants have been using the property as a storage facility without proper legal authority.
In a letter to the Zoning Committee of the Planning Commission, the Fort Road Federation said that the prior use as an auto shop served the community, but the proposed used doesn’t fit with current zoning.
“It provided a direct service to local residents, moreso aligning with the intent of a Traditional Neighborhood district. However, the proposed use as a private auto shop does not serve the broader community and fails to contribute to the walkability and vibrancy of the area,” they said.
Susanne Pierce, who said she has lived in the property adjacent to 237 Richmond for 40 years, said the current use of the building makes her feel unsafe in the neighborhood.
“Please help restore this area to a thriving, peaceful community, where I can feel comfortable sending my young grandchildren around the block on scooters,” she said.
At the March 13 Zoning Committee meeting, the Zoning Committee recommended approval of the nonconforming use permit to the full Planning Commission with several conditions, including limiting the hours of operation, ensuring no construction waste is dumped at the site, repairing a fence on the property and planting at least three boulevard trees.
The next step is for the full Planning Commission to issue a ruling on the status of the permit application. Their ruling has been laid over until at least their March 27 meeting.
