By Nathan Prewett
For the Tribune
PINSON — At a regular meeting of the Pinson City Council, a public hearing was held on two zoning cases in which one would allow the construction of a mini-storage and a possible “powersports” dealership.
The owners of a property located on Highway 75 requested that it be zoned from Residential Low Density to Highway Commercial to have the business established there.
A case report on the request stated that the rezoning would not interfere with the city’s comprehensive plan and that it received a “favorable motion” from the Planning and Zoning Commission, provided that conceptual drawings “be significantly adhered to especially with regards to the buffer.”
When public comments were being accepted, Pinson residents Debra Ridgeway and her husband Al Ridgeway expressed some concerns and questions about the business being built near their home in Henry Black Drive. Their questions related to how far the zone would be and if it would devalue adjacent properties.
Pinson Mayor Hoyt Sanders said that the zone would be located approximately 200 feet from Henry Black Drive, including the buffer. He was unsure if the business would cause any kind of devaluation but said that sometimes a business can increase property values.
One of the property owners, Elena Stidham, was at the meeting and said that the powersports dealership would not allow test driving any vehicles, eliminating any noise issues that citizens may have. She also said that the mini-storage would be gated.
After some discussion, the council voted to approve the rezoning. The other case involved aligning a local business to a correct zoning district, which was also approved.
The council discussed a resolution of intent relating to a property that the Center Point Fire District is trying to acquire in order to build a new fire training center. CPFD Chief Donnie West and logistics officer, Chris Horn, were present at the meeting. West said that the center would serve as a center not just for the Center Point and Palmerdale Districts but for others as well.
CPFD is currently trying to get grant money to make that possible. Sanders said that the resolution would express the council’s intent to convey land for the center and that it will help the district in getting grants.
“I’m very excited about it,” Horn said. “It’s a good project and we really need it.”
Sanders commented on the Jefferson County Commission’s authorization of Bradford Park to be used as a soccer complex. He said that some of the infrastructure is still working, such as most of the field lights, but repairs and renovations are being made. Public Works Director Eric Winfrey said that contractors are bush hogging the field and working to level it.
Sanders reported on the Rock School Center, saying that progress on the roofing continues. He said that Eric Hendon from Hendon + Huckestein reported to him that the punch list for the slope roof is finished and made recommendations to replacing the screws in the auditorium portion of the building.
The contractor offered to reduce the original price from $8,000 to $4,000 in exchange for work delays. The council agreed to take the contractor’s offer.
In other business, the council agreed to authorize the mayor to give $350 to the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station for ancillary needs as it prepares to connect Pinson Valley High School students for contract with the International Space Station, slated to take place on April 9.
The council held the first reading of a franchise renewal with AT&T, which City Attorney Shane Black will discuss at the next meeting. Toward the end of the meeting, Sanders said that Pinson Valley High School’s football and basketball teams will be recognized at CityFest on April 28 for winning county tournaments.
The next meeting of the Pinson City Council will take place on April 5, with pre-council at 6:30, followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.