Norton wins Boulevard rezoning battle

GAINESVILLE - Frank Norton, head of the Norton Insurance Agency, won his rezoning request to locate insurance offices with parking at a historic house on Boulevard. City Council Tuesday night voted 4-1 for it, but Boulevard homeowners fought to defeat it.

Council Chambers filled with people who mostly were against Norton's request, claiming Boulevard should remain residential. One of them was homeowner Fred Powell.

"If Norton Insurance is allowed this request in zoning, the fabric of our neighborhood as a place to live will be further diluted," Powell said.

Norton told Council that moving the insurance center into the house would save and preserve it. He said the previous zoning would allow the house to be torn down, and replaced with multi-family dwellings.

"This is a mixed-use office, multi-family, educational community," Norton said. " There are only three owner occupied single-family dwellers on Boulevard, it's already changed significantly."

Norton cut his requested number of parking spaces, promised low-light parking and green space with 31 new trees. Norton originally asked for 32 parking spaces but cut that to 20. Councilman Bob Hamrick wanted that reduced to 15 but his amendment to the motion failed and he cast the only 'no' vote.

Council member Ruth Bruner asked Norton several questions and decided to make the motion to approve the property rezoning from (R-2) multi-family to (R-O) Residential and Office.

"The preservation of the house as a historic location, the curb appeal is probably better, it's going to have a residential look and it won't be torn down and apartments built back there," Bruner said.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/3/246321