HopeTree submitted another zoning application in August due to litigation filed after the rezoning was approved in June.
According to the application narrative, the new application from HopeTree is “substantially similar” to the original that was filed in December, with minor changes such as the owner name listed in the documents.
On June 24, the Salem City Council approved a rezoning from residential single-family zoning to a planned unit development — allowing for the construction of up to 28 more commercial uses on 32 acres of HopeTree’s land they’re looking to sell to a developer.
Chris Dodd, director of communications for HopeTree, has not responded to inquiries as to whether or not the sale has been finalized.
HopeTree said in their new application narrative they’re requesting the city of Salem “ordain, reordain, amend, reamend, adopt and/or readopt” the zoning code that has already been passed.
This new application, with mostly minor changes in wording, will be up for discussion in Salem City Council’s next public hearing, a joint hearing Wednesday with the planning commission.
There’s been dissent among council members regarding this process. Councilman Jim Wallace said Mayor Renee Turk “rushed” the process with this joint public hearing. Turk has said she is “absolutely not” rushing the process.
During this hearing, council and the planning commission will also consider a request from the Fountains, property owners, for the issuance of a special exception permit to allow an accessory apartment, in what’s now an attached garage, on the property located at 621 N. Broad St.
The public hearing will take place during the Planning Commission’s regular meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday in the community room at the Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem.
