Property owner to seek zoning change

Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 22, 2003

Austin Daily Herald

Kevin Schammel hopes that by changing a zoning district, his plans for converting the former Burr Oak Manor nursing home into apartments will be possible.

"We're going to reapply under an alternate application," Schammel said.

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That application would designate the site as a Planned Development Residential (PDR) district. Zoning Administrator Craig Hoium said a PDR district allows multiple-family housing, but can also attach specifications to the district. The owner of the lot could be required to fulfill certain obligations upon receiving the designation. A PDR district is a classification separate from R-1 (single family) and R-2 (multiple family).

To get that designation, Schammel's application would first have to pass the Planning and Zoning Commission. He would have to submit an application before Monday to get his request put on the agenda for the next meeting.

Then it would be put before the Austin City Council.

Previously, the council turned down Schammel's request for a continuance on his non-conforming use permit for the property, because the structure had sat empty for more than the one-year limit.

Some residents in the area hired Austin attorney Scott Richardson to argue on their behalf against continuing the contract.

Mark Owen, a resident of the area who helped hire Richardson, said that most people in the neighborhood were against the apartments.

"It's too many units in too little space," he said.

He said that there wasn't enough maneuverability in the parking lot, and there needed to be more green space.

Schammel said people are upset because the nursing home had created noise, traffic problems and parking problems.

"A number of people are concerned that any use of the building would cause the same thing," he said.

Schammel thinks that argument is invalid. He said most of the people in the area moved in after the nursing home was in place.

"I don't think the not-in-my-backyard syndrome applies because (the nursing home) was already there," he said. "I have to ask, 'Did they know it moving into there?"

Council Member At-Large Wayne Goodnature had recommended the PDR application to Schammel when the council turned down his last application.

However, Owen said that he doesn't think it will be quite that easy.

"Mr. Goodnature's comment that (PDR) is a kind of magic wand for him, I would question," Owen said. "It's got to be compatible with the neighborhood."

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at :mailto matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com