In March, Georgetown City Administrator Steve Thomas said a housing development planned for the Whites Bridge neighborhood did not need approval from the City Planning Commission or City Council. On Wednesday night, the City’s Board of Zoning Appeals said they disagree with Thomas. Thomas has said the Pin Oaks developer — Connelly Development of Columbia — was proposing to build townhouses on the property, not apartments. Up until March, the development had been referred to as apartments. The change in wording was significant because townhouses can be built without approval of the City Planning Commission or City Council. Apartments must be approved by both bodies. Lori Zito, who owns property next to the 5.5 acres where the 28 units are proposed, filed an appeal that was heard Monday night. Zito’s big concern is the manner in which the Pin Oaks building permit was issued. Just about 90 minutes before the March Planning Commission meeting was to begin, Thomas made the change from apartments to townhouses. On Wednesday, BZA Chairman James Dozier said there would be no comments allowed from the public on the matter. “There is no reason for discussion,” he said. There was some confusion amongst the board members on exactly how to phrase the motion, but member Linda Evans summed up what they were trying to say. “We are siding on the side of Mrs. Zito,” she said. With assistance from city attorney Elise Crosby, the panel was able to make a motion out of their opinion which passed 4-1. Member Joe Henson cast the dissenting vote. He said the matter was not clear, therefore, city staff should be given some leeway when making interpretations. “In situations like this, the staff of a government bureaucracy needs to be given some benefit of the doubt,” Henson said. After the brief hearing, Zito admitted this was a small victory and vowed to continue the fight as the matter goes to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and consideration. Her attorney, Bob Moran, said it’s his understanding that the BZA decision will make any building permits issued to the developers null and void so no work can take place until the Planning Commission issues its ruling.
