Special zoning for downtown Jefferson
The Old Town Zoning District runs from the Gazette
Printing plant on West Jefferson Street to the Fire Hall on East
Jefferson Street
and from the intersection of Walnut and Chestnut Streets to the
intersection of Satin and Chestnut Streets.
Village Administrator
Terry Finger said a law was passed in 1976 that prohibited the
use of the second floors for residential living.
The law also said houses on Chestnut and Jefferson could be used
for either residential or commercial uses but not both.
The new
Old Town District Zoning would allow business to use their second
floors for residential apartments and houses along the streets
could now be used for both commercial and residential use.
Mayor
Larry Bragga said property owners would still have to meet building
codes if they decided to put in apartments.
Finger said the new
zoning law was similar to one used in the Warehouse District in
Cleveland. The zoning in the Warehouse District also
allows residential apartments on the second floor of businesses.
The
change in zoning in the Warehouse District brought more people
downtown to shop and live, said Finger. The same could happen in
Jefferson with the new Old Town District Zoning.
“There is no down side to this ordinance,” said Finger.
The Parks District officially designates the Rush Creek
property or
Village Park as a park district. The park is located on East
Jefferson across the street from Memorial Field.
Finger said
the new park zoning would limit what can be built at the site
to picnic areas and gazeboes.
It will also help the village
by cutting the amount of the property tax the village pays on
the land and open up possibilities
for
grants and loans to improve the area.
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