The East Ridge City Council denied by a 3-2 vote a rezoning request by Easy Auto Powersports that would have allowed the dealership of motorcycles and off-road vehicles to expand into a residential neighborhood.
Around a dozen neighborhood residents, most of whom are older adults, at the meeting Thursday expressed concerns about increased traffic and noise and decreased property values.
One resident presented a petition signed by about 30 residents who oppose the rezoning of the property at 1502 Swope Drive. The powersports business purchased that lot last year.
Ben Chandler, president and chief operating officer of Easy Auto Powersports, said the duplex at 1502 Swope Drive would be demolished if the property were rezoned from duplex residential to general commercial use.
The business was recently approved as a Segway Powersports dealer and needs additional space for the final assembly of the new units, he said.