Cultural-park plan meets resistance

A Rosemary District business owner’s proposal to turn a vacant piece of property into a “cultural park” is meeting resistance at City Hall and in his own neighborhood.

Rich Swier Jr., owner of The HuB, wants to transform the property across the street from his business into a place for concerts, arts, theater, festivals and other similar activities.

City staff received a number of concerns from neighboring property owners. Some complained that the proposal is self-serving and would create more problems in the neighborhood.

Based on those concerns, city staff is recommending the property be used on a case-by-case basis, in which a special-event permit would need to be obtained for each event.

City commissioners will discuss the proposal this afternoon at City Hall.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].