By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A special-use permit request to convert an Eighth Street motel to studio apartments is “a good example of infill development,” according to members of the Hays Board of Zoning Appeals.

A public hearing is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, for Steven R. Mongeau of Rooks County Holdings LLC and Vigneshvarai LLC for a special-use permit to convert the motel at 810 E. Eighth Street — the corner of Eighth and Vine — to studio apartments.

The Board of Zoning Appeals, which is recommending approval of the request, said the project would “utilize an existing commercial facility that no longer can function as a motel to provide, in this case, a housing need for the community.”

In evaluating the request, staff considered not only the existing neighborhood, but also the Hays Comprehensive Plan, the considerations of the new zoning regulations currently being drafted, and the best uses for the property.

The comprehensive plan considers this area as “commercial” uses.

Rooks County Holdings would manage the property. In the past year, the group purchased, renovated and stabilized six apartment/motel properties in Stockton, according to Mongeau.

The Hays plan would remove the motel swimming pool for a future recreation area and update landscaping with drought-tolerant plants. The company also is requesting the existing office space, which has a drive-through window, as well as Rooms 128 to 138, which face Vine Street, be available for office/retail uses.

The public hearing will be held in Hays City Hall.  See the complete BZA agenda here.