Kendra Bolling

At a public hearing, Tuesday, the Brundidge City Council voted to allow a zoning ordinance change.

The board held a public hearing in response to a proposal by the planning commission to allow for property owned by Dean Baker to change to B-2 business to R-3 multi-family zoning.

According to City Manager Britt Thomas, the property, which will serve as duplex housing, was originally grandfathered in as a R-3 multi-family residence, but the zoning ordinance specifies if the property stays vacant for more than a year it loses its grandfather status.

Baker intends to use the property as duplex housing, which is what it was originally built for.

Although, the council voted to approve the rezoning request, Baker still must make sure the building complies with the a building code.

“The building inspector has to say it’s OK,” Thomas said.

Thomas also said Baker has previously met with the inspector.

In other business, Harry Mobley, owner of Frown Folk Café Lounge, which was formerly Social Club located on AL-Highway 10, requested a liquor license.

“The city of Brundidge does not allow for a transfer of liquor license as the state of Alabama does,” Thomas said.

Mobley said he intends to serve food, as well, and his intentions for the business is to give people over age 25 a place to go.

“Many have come to me and said, ‘We’re looking for somewhere to go that’s above the 21-25 age group,’ that’s where it comes from,” Mobley said.

Councilman Lawrence Bowden brought up the issue of parking problems of the past.

“I would hope I have that type of business, but I doubt it,” Mobley said.

The council approved the liquor license.

Also, at the council meeting, the council voted to: approve a CDBG local amendment to reallocate funds left over from the demolition; had a first reading of a proposed ordinance that would establish a drug tip fund; heard more from the audited financial statement for FY2008.

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