The Shadow
During a brief called meeting Monday evening, Covington City Council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning of a parcel of land at 803 S. Lexington Avenue for the operation of an automobile rental business.
In March, Covington business owner Tommy Garten made the request to rezone the property to facilitate operation of Enterprise Car Rental at the building he owns across the street from Alleghany Motors.
When Enterprise sought a business license, it was determined that the location was zoned for manufacturing and a business license could not be issued due to the zoning.
The business has been operating without a business license, however, Covington Commissioner of the Revenue Kathy Kimberlin said she would not seek sanctions against the business since it has complied with all requirements for the issuance of a business license except for the zoning.
The rezoning request was passed by the Covington Planning Commission who met Monday afternoon.
A public hearing was held before the vote. No one spoke at the public hearing, however, Garten was in attendance at the meeting.
Monday’s vote on first reading will change the zoning to commercial.
Council must wait seven days to hold a meeting for the second reading of the zoning ordinance. A called meeting has been slated for Monday, April 26 at 6 p.m. in council chambers of Covington City Hall.
In other business at the called meeting, Covington Vice Mayor Rob Bennett asked Covington City Manager John Doane to look into visibility issues at the intersection of Alleghany Avenue and Cherry Street.
As part of the Alleghany Avenue Beautification project, trees were planted along Alleghany Avenue and the tree at the intersection, now that it is in bloom, is restricting the view of motorists turning from Cherry on to Alleghany.
Doane said city officials will check that particular intersection as well as others in the city to determine if the trees need to be moved.
Covington City Councilman B.B. Bryant asked, “Pick another location. Don’t cut them down; they’re beautiful trees.”
