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November 12, 2009

Veterinary hospital rejected by city council

Request that Rewis abstain draws angry response from crowd

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter

The Live Oak City Council turned down a request Tuesday to allow a veterinary hospital to operate in a residential neighborhood.

Several residents spoke against the hospital, citing traffic and noise among other concerns. One resident appeared before the council and submitted a petition signed by 28 residents in the area. She said her main concern was increased traffic.

"Traffic is the main issue," said Jennie Sullivan. "This would bring a potential hazard to our children. We don't want it."

Cesar Mena said he requested the land use change at 122 Helvenston Street because he thought the hospital would benefit the city.

"I feel like David and Goliath here," Mena said at the meeting. "I think it's going to be very positive to their neighborhood. I'm trying to invest thousands of dollars to start a business here. We're professional and careful. We want to make our clients happy."

Councilman Ed Rewis, who lives in the neighborhood, said he was concerned with parking and drainage issues.

"The only parking will be in the back of the house. Any parking you do back there will divert the water to the neighbors' homes," said Rewis.

Mena wanted Rewis to abstain from voting since he lived in the area, citing what he saw as a potential conflict of interest. Some in the gallery proceeded to boo following the comment. Sullivan told the council she was upset with the remark and said Rewis was just doing his job as their representative.

"We as the citizens of that community voted him in to make these decisions for us," said Sullivan among cheers from the crowd. "And that's what we expect."

City Attorney Erny Sellers said Rewis was not "ineligible simply because he lives in that area or vicinity." Sellers said Rewis would have to personally gain from what he was voting on.

Councilman John Hale said he didn't know why the Planning and Zoning Board had unanimously approved the land use change when so many residents opposed it.

"I was kind of surprised that it was all unanimous to support it when all those in the neighborhood were against it," said Hale. "Sometimes you got to listen those in the area."

The vote was 3-1 with Councilman Mark Stewart the lone vote in favor.

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