No way around it, Tuesday’s meeting of the Iola Planning Commission was a no-win night.
Those against the conversion of an abandoned nursing home on North Walnut into apartments came across as NIMBYS – Not In My Backyard.
The developer, meanwhile, was cast in a suspicious light. Apartments elsewhere in town are of shoddy construction, surely his would be, too.
All Rocky Meo of De Soto could do was show his plans for the complex and pledge he would adhere to building codes. Otherwise he remained quiet.
Those against the apartments came in full force, eager to predict a new development would destroy their neighborhood.
Their presentations were emotional and impassioned. Some shook in anger.
And while some admitted the need for more affordable housing, that three acres is not the place, they said.
After the better part of an hour, planning members were expected to vote on the matter.
The format was not conducive to discussion among the members as they sat facing the audience. In fact, nothing of the night resembled a discussion.
They did their best. And my hat goes off to them.
These people are volunteers who want to make Iola the best it can be. Their role is to save city council members time and energy by considering such issues and then forwarding their recommendations.
They also have the obligation to follow the city’s seven rules in considering rezoning proposals.
At issue Tuesday was Mr. Meo’s request to rezone his property at 1336 N. Walnut from single-family to multi-family use.
Among those seven criteria are whether the change would be compatible with the existing area, the length of time the property has remained vacant as currently zoned and whether the city would benefit if the zoning request were denied.
For the Walnut North neighbors at the meeting, there was no doubt the current situation is better than it being converted into apartments, though they have complained about the building’s deteriorating condition since it was vacated six years ago.
As to whether the City of Iola would be better off if the zoning request were denied will be the biggest question city council members will have to weigh.
