Daphne City Council denied an ordinance that would have rezoned a property at the northeast intersection of Main Street and Randall Avenue to allow for a new office space.
The property in question is located at 805 Randall Ave. on a lot currently zoned R-2, Medium Density Single Family Residential. DAK Investments LLC, which owns the property, asked city officials to rezone it to B-3, Professional Business.
Prior to the council’s vote during its meeting on Monday, Aug. 3, the proposed rezoning came before the Daphne Planning Commission on May 28 and failed to obtain the supermajority vote required to recommend approval.
The proposed rezoning was presented during a public hearing on July 20, when property owner David Kahalley said it would represent a significant private investment. “This isn’t a big development. This is a one-lot use,” Kahalley said. “Our goal is simple. We are not trying to expand commercial zoning in the area.”
Some residents spoke against rezoning the property during public comment. “If this rezoning is approved, we can expect that the north side of Randall will eventually become a commercial strip and will be devaluing the property,” said Patsy Miller, who said she lives across the street on Randall Avenue.
Chris Cartmill, who also lives on Randall Avenue, told council that Kahalley previously spoke to residents about his proposal but reneged on a promise to withdraw it if the neighborhood objected. Councilwoman Stephanie Ganey-Messinger raised concerns over the possibility that the property could eventually be sold if the rezoning were approved. Kahalley said it was not his intent to sell the property, adding that another company he owns, Shamrock Properties, needs the space for a new office.
Following the July 20 public hearing, the ordinance was presented for a final vote Monday, Aug. 3, when the city council declined to rezone the property.