Group passes motion to deny request
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on March 1, 2016 1:46 PM
The Goldsboro Planning Commission unanimously recommended denying a rezoning request on Monday night that would allow the applicant, Patrick Gallagher, to operate an events center at his private residence on the east side of Leslie Street between Mulberry Street and Walnut Street.
A motion to deny the rezoning request was made by planning commission member Glenn Barwick, and was seconded by commission member Mark Cornet.
Commission chairman Chris Boyette called for a vote after the motion, upon which the seven- member board unanimously voted to recommend denying the rezoning request.
Following Monday night's planning commission meeting, this recommendation to deny Gallagher's rezoning request will be sent to the Goldsboro City Council at the next council meeting on March 7 for a final decision on whether or not to allow it.
The item will appear on the council's consent agenda as a recommendation to deny the measure, and if the council votes to approve the consent agenda without changes then the recommendation of denial will be approved.
The area in question is currently marked as a residential zone, and Gallagher is requesting the zoning be switched to a general business conditional district.
Gallagher currently resides on the property with his wife, and wants to use the property as both a private residence and a place of entertainment with ABC permit.
He has proposed renting out two structures on his property for events such as weddings, birthday parties and fundraisers.
Goldsboro's comprehensive land-use plan recommends the area be developed as high-density residential property, as opposed to being an area with businesses in it.
There are six structures that exist on the property in question:
1) A 5,647-square-foot building that serves as the applicant's primary dwelling.
2) A 2,251-square-foot building that is proposed to serve as the main events center.
3) A 1,200-square-foot guest house maintained as a guest house.
4) A pool house.
5) A greenhouse.
6) A 3,000-square-foot metal building used for storage.
A public hearing was held on the matter at the last City Council meeting on Feb. 22, during which two people spoke in support of the rezoning request and three people spoke in opposition to the request.