V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Tuesday night’s special City Council meeting was largely about buildings as Council approved a host of building permits, and agreed to move forward adopting the Jefferson Historic District.
The district was proposed by the City’s Planning & Zoning Commission after it was discovered the City had never formally adopted the zone back in 1971. P&Z is viewing the adoption as a first step in establishing formal zoning inside the City limits.
P&Z held a public hearing last week on the district and found most respondents were happy with the district, but wished it included more areas.
“The proposal was based on what was approved in 1971 by the National Register of Historic Places,” said member Hugh Lewis. “The Marion County Historic Commission is working on expanding it to include more homes, areas.”
Council will vote on formally adopting the district at the November 21 meeting.
The City’s hopes for a grant to build a sidewalk between the Jefferson Junior High and High Schools were dashed as Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker old Council that TxDOT had not awarded the City the grant.
He indicated he had calls in to TxDOT to see how the City could improve their chances with the 2025 round of funding.
Other building projects were also approved during the meeting including moving a storage building from one property to another on Pecan Court; new construction at Lake and Marshall streets; adding a third floor to a residence on Vale street; as well as new construction on Camp street.
Council also discussed the sale of 17 square feet of right-of-way to an individual on Magnolia Court.
At issue is the property owner purchased and built a home 45-years ago. He is attempting to now sell the property. However, during surveying, it was discovered that 17-square feet of the home is built on a city utility right-of-way and title insurance cannot be obtained due to the issue.
Steve Shaw, representing the property owner, said that he would prepare all the necessary documents and have them at the next Council meeting.
Council indicated they would most likely grant the $1.73 sale of property to help.
The annual grant request between the Marion County Community Center on Haywood street and the City of Jefferson was tabled until additional information could be gathered from the Center.
Lastly, Council approved a request from MCDCSCO for their Annual Martin Luther King Jr Day parade and Banquet for January 14-5, 2024.
Mary Spearmon, long-term interim president of MCDCSCO, said insurance was pending on the application, and would be provided prior to the 10-days before the event requirement.
Spearmon also called on Council members and everyone to participate in the parade and attend the Banquet which celebrates the accomplishments of citizens of Marion County.