Historic home now zoned commercial

Will McMinnville lose another historic home to development? Without a crystal ball, the answer isn?t a positive yes, but circumstances point to yes.

Attorney Dale Potter, the owner of the historic home located on Sparta Street, recently requested a rezoning change from the McMinnville Regional Planning Commission.

The change request was to bring the lot from R-1 low-density residential for single-family dwelling, up to C-2 general commercial which allows a wide range of business opportunities that might mean the removal of the house.

A C-2 zoning can be used for retail and service business ranging from services like repairing of electrical, automotive and equipment to retail of automotive parts, building materials and department stores. The area could also be used for a daycare center, a group home or a community center and offices for doctors, dentists and lawyers.

The house is currently being used as a law office by Potter but this rezoning could allow someone to purchase the lot and building and tear down the home for commercial use.

?Right now, I?ll sell it to the first person who gives me enough money,? said Potter. ?I?m using it for my law office. When it is sold, I don?t care what they do with it. Everybody likes the historical aspect but no one wants to give money to help keep it up.?

The change would make the land more compatible with the surrounding lots which are all zoned C-2. Rezoning the area was recommended by Planning and Zoning before the Health Way medical facility was built. At that time, Potter asked to remain R-1.

With Potter now asking for the change, the zoning change was granted by the commission. The property is currently listed for sale by a local realtor.