The Red Bank City Commission rejected a proposed zoning change that would have allowed a duplex on this propery located at 3302 Lamar Ave.Following a public hearing during which many nearby residents voiced opposition to a requested rezoning, the four members of the Red Bank City Commission present at its April 5 meeting voted unanimously to reject a request to rezone property at 3302 Lamar Ave.
Owner Barry Evans requested that the property, previously zoned for single-family residential dwellings only, be rezoned to allow for a duplex. He said he would like to put “higher-end rentals” on the property.
“High-end rentals is an oxymoron to me,” neighbor Brian Tuteur said during the hearing.
Bryan Mann, who lives next door to the property in question, was also among the neighbors who spoke against the rezoning. He said when he bought his home it was under the assumption that the neighboring property would remain zoned for single-family dwellings only. Mann said he also thinks the street will not be able to handle any extra traffic.
“I know it’s going to decrease our property values and change our schools,” said neighbor Renaugia Allman.
Before commissioners voted against the rezoning, Mayor John Roberts said the Planning Commission had voted 4-0 to recommend rejecting the rezoning, citing inconsistency with neighboring properties and traffic concerns.