Aldermen voted Tuesday to prohibit new development of apartment complexes for up to six months.
They will use that time to determine whether Starkville has too many apartments and other multi-family housing units, officials said.
The resolution defines multi-housing as any unit above a single-family residence, officials said.
In addition to the amendment, the board also approved a resolution that requires a public hearing on the issue set by the planning and zoning commission. They also extended consultant Shelly Johnstone’s contract to include a study of housing supply and demand in the city’s comprehensive plan.
“We need to gather data to see whether or not we are out of balance, and, if we are, how to assess balance,” Vice Mayor Frank Davis said.
Alderman-At-Large Vic Zitta, the only board member to vote against the resolution, said there is a difference of opinion between the different communities within the city, including the developing community.
“This need is a perception,” he said. “There is no data to support it. The market needs to set the pace.”
Ward 3 Alderman P.C. McLaurin said the city would be unable to collect figures unless it stopped new construction.
“We can’t continue developing while we’re trying to take a look at where the city is,” he said. “Although we need to be pro-development as much as possible, we don’t need to develop just to develop. We need this period to stop and evaluate.”
McLaurin originally motioned for a 90-day suspension, but increased the ban to six months after Ward 6 Alderman Roy Perkins suggested that more time be allowed for research after the winter months.
“We will not see a lot of development within the up to 90 days anyway,” Perkins said. “This measure would take place during the heart of the winter season.”
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Aldermen approve moratorium on multi-family housing
Lacey Kuhn
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November 5, 2004
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