P&Z Commission Turns Down Conditional Use Permit Request

Following public hearings on Monday night, the Trenton Planning and Zoning Commission turned down one request, approved a second and moved a third to a hearing before the Trenton Board of Adjustments.
Assistant City Clerk Tracy Maberry said the commission turned down a conditional use permit request from Gabe Chrisman and Erma Newton, who planned to build an outdoor theater on property Ms. Chrisman owns at 2306 Oak St. and 2211 Stature St. Ms. Chrisman appeared before the commission to present information about plans for the property, which she said would include the showing of videos during times when the weather would allow. In-person viewing would be available, but she said there would also be room on the property for persons to park vehicles and watch as well. The property was described as around 2 1/2 acres in size.
Ms. Mayberry said three persons attended the meeting via Zoom and expressed concerns regarding increased traffic in the area as well as noise and late hours. Ms. Chrisman said she didn’t believe noise would be an issue. It was noted some activities might not start until after dark during the warmer weather and not conclude until late in the evening. Ms. Maberry said Ms. Chrisman indicated activities would take place in the spring, summer and fall.
Commission member Donnie Vandevender said he was not in favor of locating a business in what he described as a “residential area.” City Administrator Ron Urton said the area was zoned as “mixed use,” allowing both residential and certain types of businesses to operate there. Commission chairman Jean Peace also commented she did not feel this was an area for the type of business being proposed.
The request will be forwarded to the Trenton City Council for final action with the recommendation from the commission. Ms. Mayberry said the council will consider the request at its Oct. 26 meeting.
The commission gave unanimous approval for a request from Hope Haven Industries to rezone property at 3300 Pleasant Plain from 0-1 open space to I-2 heavy industry to make the current use of property and buildings more fitting. The property is currently vacant, but has been listed as the possible location of a medical marijuana manufacturing facility. Ms. Maberry said there was no opposition expressed to the request and that it will now go before the city council on Oct. 26 for final approval.
The commission was also scheduled to hold a hearing regarding a request from Orscheln Properties in care of Cummings Sign for a height variance to allow construction of a 40-foot sign at the site of the new Orscheln Farm and Home Store at 1810 E. 28th St. However, it was determined the hearing would need to be conducted by the Board of Adjustments, with the hearing to be held in November. The request seeks a 20-foot height variance on the maximum height requirement of 20 feet for a Class C Type 3 sign. The sign is to be placed on the northeast corner of the property.