With a 4-2 vote at their regular meeting last night, the City Planning Commission denied Andrew Ewell and Hannah Pittard’s rezoning request at 814 Hinton Ave. in Belmont.
At the public hearing, more than 32 residents spoke up both for and against the possibility of a new restaurant opening right next door to Belmont BBQ.
Although Ewell and Pittard offered three proffers with their revised application (a buffer, a no-music venue stipulation, and a restaurant-only use permit), several Belmont residents voiced concerned about noise, traffic, parking and the overall well being of the neighborhood.
More after the photo.
Hannah Pittard and Andrew Ewell had plans to open a Creole restaurant at 814 Hinton Ave. in Belmont.
Janet Hatcher said the commercial strip on Hinton Avenue, with six restaurants in place, has taken away the charm of the now sought-after residential neighborhood. Adam Frazier, owner of The Local, said that while he understands residents’ complaints , he supports the new restaurant, because of its multiple benefits: tax revenue for the city and state, employment opportunities for the city and restoration of “dilapidated” buildings.
Commissioner Genevieve Keller, who voted No, said that commercial area “has reached capacity,” stressing the need to keep the Ewell’s property in the residential inventory.
Next up for the applicants is a vote from City Council.
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