The Choctaw Plaindealer

In two weeks, the Ackerman Board of Aldermen has approved two zone changes, one on Mabus Street and the other on Sides Avenue.

In the Dec. 4 meeting, the board approved Frank Black's request to rezone his property on Mabus Street, from R2 (residential) to C2 (commercial). He said he plans to build a warehouse on this property to supplement Black's Furniture.

In a public hearing, Dec. 4, Black explained why he believes the property should be rezoned.

"There are two reasons legally to rezone. I have to show burden of proof or it was zoned wrong in the first place," said Black.

He said the character of the neighborhood has changed stating economic development on Highway 15. Black said not to long ago, Farm Bureau and Regions Bank were the main businesses in the area, but now there is Movie Gallery and Fred's.

He also said there is commercial property behind and next to his property on Mabus Street.

Black stated that he has personally talked to residents on Pecan Street and found no opposition.

"I have made a trip on my own to these people on Pecan Street and I have found no opposition," said Black.

Mayor Bruce Burney said one resident contacted him about the rezoning and after explaining that Black was to build a warehouse, she was supportive.

The board approved the zone change by a motion from Ward 4 Alderman Dale Reid and a second by Alderman at large Carl Phelps.

Ward 1 Alderwoman Shelia Miller and Ward 3 Alderman George Rooks was absent from the meeting.

"Based on the character of the neighborhood has changed significantly over the last 10-15 years to warrant the rezone," said Reid, about his motion.

Black made his rezoning request in the Nov. 6 board meeting.

Sides Avenue

No comments or questions came before the Board of Alderman during a public hearing, Dec. 11, to rezone a portion of Sides Avenue back to R1.

"Found we did not have significant evidence or justification to change the zone," said Vice Mayor George Rooks.

Ward 4 Alderman Dale Reid made the motion to change the zone back to R1 and Ward 2 Alderwoman Debby Curtis seconded the motion. In a unanimous vote, the rezone was approved.

The Stevens property is now zoned R1, as it was originally.

In their Oct. 2 meeting, the board voted, 4-1, to allow Bethany Stevens to place a mobile home on her parents' property on Sides Avenue.

After concerns from neighbors, Stevens decided not to place a mobile home on the lot.

Then an appeal was filed in Circuit Court on the previous zone change on Sides Avenue.