Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
Verizon renovations at the old Burger King will soon begin in Callahan.
Contractor Jeff Borden told the Callahan Planning and Zoning board Monday that the building’s interior will be completely demolished and the exterior will receive several updates. Despite the renovations, the building’s overall footprint will remain the same, including the windows, doors, and parking lot.
Board members approved the site plan review, looking forward to the landscape improvements and building changes to come.
In other business, the board denied a rezoning request and approved several local business sign permits.
Bryce Huggins of Hilliard requested the board rezone his vacant lot at 45171 Mickler Street. The lot is currently low-density residential and Huggins wanted it changed to medium-density residential with hopes of building a quadplex on the property.
However, several nearby residents voiced opposition, citing concerns about increased traffic, safety near Callahan Elementary School, and a mismatch with the surrounding single-family neighborhood.
“The biggest problem here … is spot zoning. If we do it once, we know it’s going to happen subsequently,” Callahan resident Urban Fleming said. “I think exceptions exist, and we’ve done that … but this is pushing it beyond that.”
Callahan Mayor Randy Knagge also clarified that nearby multi-family units were “grandfathered in” and that no adjacent properties carry medium-density zoning.
Board members ultimately voted to deny the rezoning request, citing inconsistency with the town’s comprehensive plan and a desire to avoid spot zoning.
“We have to be consistent with what we do,” Board member Caleb Bryan said.
Sign permit applications for SCW Liquors, Johnston Signature Furnishings, and Redemptive Love Church were all approved. Board members agreed on a neighborly request for the church.
“With the vinyl sign, just make sure it has good upkeep,” Bryan said.
The next P&Z board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at Callahan Town Hall.