Mayor Mike Absher | Youtube / City of Marion
Mayor Mike Absher | Youtube / City of Marion
At its Jan. 23 meeting, Marion City Council discussed the proposed Castellano Properties development in the city. Council had two ordinances on the agenda regarding properties on East Main street. One of them would rezone the property from General Commercial to General Family Residential, and the other would rezone the property from Agricultural to General Family Residential. The developer had said they plan to build apartments on these properties, although they might also mix in some single-family homes as well.
“There could be a lot worse things going on this property as a C1 commercial piece of property than it could be on a residential piece of property, and the neighbors wouldn't even get a notice of that because it could be anything, could be commercial,” Mayor Mike Absher said. “So from my standpoint, I get it might not be ideal for them [and] what they would want, but I think it's a great improvement over what is there, so long as the street, the drainage and those things, particularly if you're going to put the trees in.”
Council did not receive a recommendation from the zoning commission on these items since an abstention kept it from having a majority vote. Council could choose to send it back to the zoning board, however the city attorney and mayor suggested that the council act on it.
This was a very preliminary development plan as there is not even a site plan yet and the developer could be doing apartments, single units, or duplexes and triplexes. Council was told the developer will create a site plan and bring it back after it receives the rezoning of the properties.
Council members expressed concerned about making sure that the site plan would include proper driveways and road requirements for emergency vehicles. Council members also mentioned the concern of the nearby residents who have drainage issues with their properties and the potential impact the development could have.
Council voted to approve both of the rezoning changes.
In other business, council voted on filling four open positions: three for the HUB Recreational Center and one for the library.
The council will meet again at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the City Hall at 1102 Tower Square Plaza.
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