City suggests new zoning for Pentecost
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

There will be no more manufactured housing for Kilgore's Pentecost Addition if city staffers have their way.

"We need to protect neighborhood property values," Carol Windham, Kilgore director of planning and zoning, said. "We also need to consider that opportunity for growth in the Pentecost neighborhood."

According to Windham, manufactured homes already in the neighborhood will not be asked to move.

"Existing homes would be permitted as legal non-conforming residences," Windham said. "However, if the home were destroyed, in the instance of fire or an act of God, or if the home were moved, it could not be replaced with another manufactured home."

Windham said Pentecost still has a number of vacant lots suitable for building.

"Quite a few newer homes are in the Pentecost Addition," Windham said. "Potential for expan- sion is around every corner."

One example of a potential expansion area is Walnut Street which is interrupted by several undeveloped acres.

"If Walnut went all the way through and connected, all of that property could be opened up into buildable lots," Windham said. "This would continue the renewing process that has already begun."

In order to re-zone the neighborhood Windham would have to hold two public hearings. The first meeting would take place during a Planning and Zoning Board meeting; the second would take place at a Kilgore City Council meeting.

In addition to the required public meetings, Windham has suggest that council hold a special meeting in the neighborhood, where residents could ask questions and voice concerns. Windham would like the special meeting to take place as early as June.

"I am preparing letters to be sent out to residents and property owners," Windham said. "We do not want anyone to be alarmed or feel that we are trying to move them out of the neighborhood."