Nicky Boyette – Christy Sutherland told Planning commissioners April 26 that ghost tours of Penn Castle, a historic home in her neighborhood, had not stopped as had been reported at the April 25 city council meeting. She stated there had been tours late at night on the previous Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24. There was even a printed itinerary, and people could purchase tickets online ahead of time. She said tourists now remain on her street with flashlights and do not go into the home of interest. She again asked Planning to do something to stop the “intrusion” into her neighborhood.
Commissioner Melissa Greene asked Sutherland if she would object if the tours occurred during daylight hours, and Sutherland replied it would still be an intrusion and an enticement for curiosity seekers. Cindy Wolf said tourists even came into her nearby yard.
Commissioner Pat Lujan, who chaired the meeting, acknowledged council had not imposed the 90-day moratorium Planning asked for, but instead encouraged commissioners to submit proposed updates to City Code. He said topics Planning is targeting include tour homes, B&Bs, tourist lodgings and the 200-ft. rule. Lujan urged commissioners to come to the May 10 meeting prepared to move the process along.
Commissioner James Morris suggested a joint workshop with aldermen would help, and Lujan proposed to set one up before one of the next two meetings.
Vacation
Commissioners approved the request by Jim Girkin for a vacation of a portion of the platted but undeveloped Hickory Street according to a compromise he worked out with the Parks Commission. Girkin owns the property on both sides of Hickory Street.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, May 10, at 6 p.m.