Bob Foos
Neighbors of where the historic Jane Chinn house stood until Saturday came out in force at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Monday to oppose rezoning the lot for two duplexes.
Evan Slaughter, representing 3017 Holdings, requested the rezoning, from R-1 to R-2, and presented drawings of two bland duplexes that he plans to build on the lot. He said the house, at 302 S. Pennsylvania St., was demolished Saturday.
The upper story of the house was badly damaged by fire during the winter, but it was initially thought that the house could be salvaged.
Members of the audience said it went on the market for $95,000 and a couple of people said they called the real estate agent but got no reply.
It was questioned why the price went from $95,000 to $20,000, which is what Slaughter said he paid for the house.
“Could have or should have been restored they restored the Chinn house is a moot point,” said City Attorney Troy Salchow, noting that it is gone now.
Complaints were made about the upkeep of three duplexes to the south of the Chinn lot that were said to have been built in the 1950s. They are owned by Slaughter’s brother, Kohl Slaughter.
Despite that, the argument was made that it’s not out of the question that the lot would be more suitable for an expensive new home that would add value to the neighborhood.
For example, Terry Smith, 21 S. Pennsylvania St., said his historic home was deteriorating when he bought it, but he has restored it to a beautiful home by putting $300,000 in it. And a new $300,000 house has since been built next to his. He added that he would have been interested in rehabilitating the Chinn house but didn’t get a call back from the sales agent.
“You just demolished one of the greatest houses in Webb City,” Smith said. “Let’s at least see a nice home that adds to the historical value of the city.”
A petition said to have 40 to 50 names against the rezoning request was shown to the commission.
After the public hearing was closed, commissioner Ryan Evitts was dismissive of the blandness of the design of the duplexes.
“You could build something the neighbors would get behind,” Evitts said. “This isn’t it.”
The commission voted 4-0 against the request.
Chairman Rick Utter noted it is a tough situation and told the audience “we appreciate you.”
He emphasized that the commission’s vote does not preclude Slaughter from taking his request to the City Council, which has final authority.
If the lot continues as R-1, it is big enough to be split for two or possibly three single-family homes.
The second public hearing of the night was quite a contrast to the first one.
Jared Gray told the commissioners his company, Toad Ranch Cages, has outgrown its current location south of Joplin. After moving to Webb City, he said his staff will be expanded from 10 to 12.
The only question from the remaining audience of two, was about the work shift hours. Gray answered that he schedules his workers the way he would like, from 8 to 5.
The building, at 905 W. Broadway, has been empty since the machine shop closed a few years ago. That company had a special permit.
Many will remember the building as a grocery store going back to Foodland and Ramey’s.
It is currently zoned as commercial 1, while a commercial 2 zone is requested.
The reptile enclosures made by Toad Ranch Cages can be viewed on the company’s website.