Amite resident given hope after planning and zoning meeting

The Amite Planning and Zoning Commission recommended three variances for approval by the Amite City Council when they meet on Tuesday, October 7. This recommendation came after three public hearings were held giving the public the chance to input about each situation. The last public hearing was for a variance for the age of a mobile home on West Magnolia Street, Lot 1.

Three years ago, Betty Belton of 409 W. Magnolia Street, Lot 1 lost her home due to Hurricane Katrina. Before Katrina stole her home she had lived there for more that 30 years. Belton is elderly and deaf, the location of her home was very near her family who help to take care of her. In the last three years, Belton has moved from family member to family member waiting until she can purchase another mobile home.

Belton was not able (like many others) to receive relief money from the Red Cross. The Red Cross depleted their funds during Katrina helping those they could. Thankfully and organization called Christian Community Services has been able to provide Belton with some money to purchase, move, set up and have skirting put on a mobile home to replace hers. However, the funds are low, just enough to purchase an older trailer, a 1985 model.

According to Amite City Zoning no mobile home over 12 years old can be moved in. Belton's mobile home is 22 years old. The board decided to grant the variance and recommend that the city council approve after a public hearing. At this public hearing family members and neighbors spoke in favor of the variance explaining that Belton had been their neighbor for many years. Not only that, that location is the only home she knows and her family is nearby to assist with her needs.

This matter will come before the Amite City Council who has the final say on the situation. Belton, her family and friends were overwhelmed and appreciative of the commission board and thanked them tremendously for their consideration and approval.

The Amite Planning and Zoning Commission also recommended to the Amite City Council:

• Approval of re-zoning request at 411 E. Mulberry Street. The owner is requesting that the lot be re-zoned from C-1 to C-2. C-1 allows the operation of office type business, C-2 allows retail sales. The owner is hoping to open a restaurant/catering facility.

• Approval of special use permit and variance for lot size for 306 S. Myrtle Street to operate a daycare facility. This would allow BB's Daycare owner Brandy Kay Andrews to build a new daycare and operate at that location.