Applicant seeks rezoning to allow three townhomes at 3005 Sem/Sim Street; commission asks for photos

Sharifa Jackson told the commission she is requesting rezoning of a vacant lot at 3005 Sem Street from R1A (urban residential) to RT (residential townhouse) to allow construction of three attached, owner-occupied townhomes.

"We propose to introduce three well-designed, owner-occupied townhome units that will contribute positively to the neighborhood and the city's tax base," Jackson said, describing a two-story design with two-car garages, private rear patios, sidewalks and architectural lighting.

Jackson said the lot is consistent with the city’s redevelopment neighborhood designation, which encourages infill at densities of four to eight units per acre. Commissioners asked whether garages would face the street (Jackson said yes) and requested photographs and additional elevation detail for the regular meeting packet. One commissioner suggested Jackson add surrounding photographs to help the panel understand how the proposal meshes with the predominantly single-family block.

No vote was taken at the work session; the rezoning will be on the March 19 regular meeting docket at 7 p.m. at City Hall.