Council OKs Nelson rezoning

By Staff
Planning Commission twice denied request
By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle’s City Council has overruled the planning commission, giving its OK to a rezoning request opposed by some community residents.
The council voted 4-1 to approve rezoning a home on Nelson Street from residential to business to allow the photography studio Digital Reflection to hire outside employees and increase its signage. The business was operating at the house under a variance that allows commercial ventures in a residential area but limits hiring and signage.
Councilman Bill Smelser cast the dissenting vote on the request. Hartselle’s Planning Commission has twice denied the rezoning request.
Nelson Street resident Mary McMillan said she and some of her neighbors opposed any expansion of commercial properties on her street.
Nelson Street does not have frontage on Highway 31 and the city’s comprehensive plan shows it as a residential area.
That’s not logical now, however, said Russell Woodruff, who spoke in favor of the rezoning.
Digital Reflection has been operating under the variance for more than two years. Unlike rezonings, the Board of Zoning Adjustments can grant these requests and city council approval is not required.
In other zoning matters: