The Planning Commission met June 9, for the first time in two months.
Marshall Johnson brought plans for the major facelift at the Pine Mountain complex. A café had already been approved, and Johnson said, “We are refurbishing the entire property,” as he described plans to renovate the theater as a banquet hall. The plan also included an addition to the theater with a steak house. Johnson described plans to renovate the exteriors of some of the other buildings to have them ready to lease.
Commissioner Fergie Stewart thanked Johnson for his efforts. “This building has been a great place for thirty years, and I’m glad to see it repurposed,” he said. Commissioner Tom Buford did not oppose the project but said the plans submitted did not adequately address which trees would be removed. He voted not to approve without a more detailed tree plan, but other commissioners all voted for approval. In a separate application, Johnson also received permission to remove some outbuildings.
The commission has pursued several legislative changes, including a revision of the tree preservation ordinance. That plan is ready for presentation to city council, although commissioners did not decide on a particular date.
Chair LauraJo Smole assigned commissioners to pursue the various segments of the city’s vision plan, including transportation, economic development, historic preservation, and more. Smole asked commissioners to prepare outlines in each area by early July.
An ordinance updating requirements for on-site managers of bed & breakfast operations has gone to council, where it has met with some opposition.
Tree cutting request expedited
At the outset of the meeting, commissioners convened as the Board of Zoning Adjustment to consider a tree removal request. Nean and Marcia Molthan plan to build a house at 15 Thomas Dr., and the project will require the removal of a number of trees. Commissioners had visited the site, but the Molthans had received incorrect information about how to mark trees. A special meeting was planned for the following week, so they would not have to wait another month to proceed.