The City Commission on Monday tabled a request for a zoning change from a veterinarian who wants to build a new clinic south of Subway on Parke Street. They delayed the decision in order to seek a legal compromise that will allow the clinic to be built while still addressing the concerns of neighbors.
The Pratt City Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals had recommended changing the zoning designation from R-2 Single Family Residential to C-S Highway Service at the request of landowner Debbie Howell whose daughter, Dr. Pam Howell, wants to build a small animal veterinary clinic on three lots.
Neighbor Marvin Proctor protested the zoning change, saying he didn’t oppose a veterinary clinic but worried about what sort of business could locate near his home if the clinic failed or moved. He asked if the clinic could be built under a variance or a special use permit. City Attorney Ken VanBlaricum said those were options that could be explored and Mayor Jeff Taylor asked him to study the matter and report again at the next Commission meeting Nov. 16.
In other business, the Commission:
uHeard from several residents who are opposed to the Maple Street project and upset by the Commission’s refusal to support a referendum on the $900,000 expenditure.
Resident El Vena Barnes said the street extension would make Maple Street a highway that would divide her peaceful neighborhood.
Pratt, Kan. —
