Plan for Car Repair Shop on Lot Rejected

Siding with residents of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, the City Council has rejected a proposal to open a car repair business on a vacant lot.

Supporters and opponents of the proposal saw the decision as a referendum on the future of the Logan neighborhood, which is a mix of homes and mostly industrial businesses.

Council members heeded the concerns of residents who said opening another business would disrupt the neighborhood’s fragile balance and further its decline.

“It’s just going to bring more traffic and noise to the place,” resident Pat Morales said.

The council voted 6 to 1, with Councilwoman Patricia McGuigan dissenting.

“At the end of the day, I’m willing to settle with the residents that are there,” Councilman Robert L. Richardson said, “because the folks who live in homes--whether they’re renters or owners--have got to be given a little greater weight when these kinds of interests collide.”

Council members heard from 18 property owners and renters regarding development of the 1/5-acre parcel.

A dozen speakers--mostly property owners--supported the proposal, which called for rezoning the property from residential to industrial to pave the way for the auto repair business.

Property owners argued that they should be allowed to use their property as they see fit.

They said they have been unable to obtain loans for improving their homes because the neighborhood is considered undesirable.

“I feel my business would have little or no effect in that particular area,” said Veronica Ruiz, who owns the parcel under scrutiny.