Property manager who requests zoning change for ballroom meets opposition

A property owner requested a zone change from the city in hopes of opening a ballroom but the request didn’t come easy after opposition from neighbors and other property owners in the area.

The proposed location is in a rapidly growing far east neighborhood.

Property manager Claudia Sallias said they met all the criteria for the zoning change but others argue it’s not wanted in the area.

The City Planning Commission heard the request from Sallias.

“We intend to bring an upscale affordable ballroom for our community,” Sallais said.

Sallais is asking the city to change the zoning from a C-1 to C-2.

According to the city a C-1 zoning district is a commercial district that provides compatible neighborhood convenience goods and services that serve day-to-day needs.

In other words business that cater to the neighborhood.

A C-2 zoning establishment provides goods or render services that are used in support of the community’s trade and service establishments, and serve people from other areas.

The property in question has been vacant for a year.

“It will host special events but also business meetings, conferences and charity events,” Sallias said.

But there was opposition to the zoning change for the ballroom.

“The parking issue has been raised,” said John Burkelback.

Burkelback, a representative for nearby properties and neighbors said there won’t be enough parking and parking from ballroom customers will spill over to nearby areas.

Sallias says the business meets the criteria for the parking.

Another issue that came up was trash in the parking lots and security during late night events hosted at the ballroom.

“We plan to hire off duty officers for all of our events,” Sallais said.

The proposed ballroom that is more than 100 feet from homes will also include a outdoor patio in the back of the building.

“The noise pollution and the light pollution from an outdoor patio on a ballroom clearly that close to residential should not be permitted,” Burkelback said.

The city did not allow for the zoning change.

ABC-7 spoke with residents from two of the closest homes and one said he doesn’t want the ballroom another resident said he could care less.

The property manager said they still plan to do something with the property but that will be determined at a later time.