P&Z Board Recommends Public Hearings on Building Heights

The Grove Planning & Zoning Board will hold a series of public hearings very soon to get input on changing the current city codes on building height restrictions. The vote was 3-0 taken at this week's meeting held Tuesday afternoon.

City Manager Bruce Johnson endorsed the move, stating "perfect, very good stuff." Also endorsing it was Mo Parker, City Planner.

Board member Bob Brogdon said it would be foolish to endorse new six-story condo's without a plan. "We need input from the public to determine what is appropriate for Grove, then get the ordinances in place, then issue building permits, not the reverse," he said. "We need to look at the basic structure--codes, fire protection, city water, sewer and gas needs, parking, EMS access, egress to streets, traffic control, and determine where high-rise structures are appropriate, and where they are not appropriate."

Judith Read said she endorsed all of that and asked "What do we want Grove to look like in the future? Let's follow the rules and regulations and get the proper permits."

Chairman Bettie Kardos-Bishop, who is retiring from the board this month after 11 years of service, said she echoed these sentiments.

Brogdon made the motion to recommend that City Council not make any changes at this time and that the P&Z Board hold a series of public hearings immediately on a plan for high rise structures and where they should be located.

Both Brogdon and Read praised Bishop for her years of service. "She has no personal agenda and has done a great job and I hope we can get someone just as good to replace her," Read said. She added "it would be nice if the local newspapers would cover these meetings, someone besides The Grove Observer." The Observer was the only media source at the meeting.

There are now two openings on the P&Z Board, since Norma Halterman resigned August 16.