By GINNY COOPER / Staff writer

VINCENT—The Vincent City Council and community members are split on a proposed plan to rezone property located at 41425 Alabama 25.

The lot, which is approximately .94 acres, is adjacent to City Park. The property is currently zoned as rural residential, but the owners Pat and Lee Samples are looking to rezone the property to B-1 Local Business District.

Vincent Auto Care, the Samples’ business, is currently operating on the land, as it was grandfathered in, explained Kristine Goddard from the Shelby County development services. Rezoning the land would allow the owners to rent or lease the adjacent buildings on the property to other businesses.

If the motion to rezone the property is approved, the Samples plan to lease an adjacent building to the Grave Diggers chapter of the Iron Order motorcycle club as a clubhouse.

During a Feb. 18 public hearing, members of the community were divided on the issue with many expressing concern about things such as noise level, drinking and community safety.

Sandra Gable, who owns property adjacent to the lot, expressed concern about noise levels and safety for her grandchildren who live in the area.

“We don’t begrudge this, we just want to know about this noise and what type of building it will be,” Gable said.

Mia Kimble, a Vincent resident, expressed concern about traffic safety and drinking in the clubhouse.

The Samples responded to these concerns, saying they are invested in the community and do not wish there to be any problems. The Samples said the contract with the motorcycle club stipulates the group must be out in 30 days if there were any problems with the community.

“I’ve been in this town for 16 years,” Samples said. “I don’t want any problems.”

The Samples are also looking to rezone the property to be able to sell it at a higher value as they near retirement.

Following the public hearing, the City Council voted on the motion to rezone the property. The council was split, with three voting to rezone the property and three voting against it.

The council will put the rezoning motion back on the agenda to be reevaluated at a later date.