Linden council denies rezoning
Published 12:48 pm Tuesday, November 21, 2017
During a regular meeting last week, the Linden City Council opposed a request for rezoning that would have allowed a bed-and-breakfast business to open near Coats Avenue.
Barrown Lankster made the request for rezoning to operate a bed-and-breakfast. He told the council during the meeting he felt “it would be good for the community and something that was sorely needed.”
Another resident, Charles Lankster, voiced his concerns, citing possible alcohol consumption and parties so close to where he attends church.
Roy Rogers, who is a deacon at First Missionary Baptist Church, said he spoke on behalf of the church when he said, “We do not want a business that close to our church.”
Frank Lankster said that the bed-and-breakfast could benefit the church by giving them a nearby location for them to house out-of-town pastors.
At voting, Mayor Charles Moore said that there was too much opposition in the audience and from others who called the city offices also voicing concerns. Ultimately, the measure died from the lack of a motion.
Other items discussed by the city council:
• The city council discussed the two break-ins at Linden Football Field. No vote was taken on the matter.
• The city council opposed the purchase of a Nettles Island for $300 by the city.
• The city council swore in Byron Vice as District 2 Councilman.
• The city council approved Los Reyes’s ABC License. The license was already approved by the state and could not have been opposed by the city without valid reason.
• The city council discussed needed clean-up efforts at Old Kimbrough Hospital. No vote was taken on the matter.
• The city council approved Mayor Moore’s appointment of Ola Ford from the Industrial Board to the Utility Board and Glenda Hayes to the Industrial Board to fill Ford’s position.
• The city council entered an executive session on the basis of naming of character. Once the executive session ended and the open session began, the city council approved the lifting of an employee suspension.