Rusk council nixes downtown zoning request for historic hotel

RUSK – City leaders voted unanimously Wednesday evening to nix a request by Rusk businessman Jan Pate to modify a zoning ordinance to allow residential living space at a historic former hotel downtown.

Place 1 Councilwoman Kendall Shoemaker made the motion deny the request for a mixed-use district – specifically impacting the former Thomas J. Rusk Hotel, where Pate created several short-term residences on the second floor of the hotel, with boutique space on the first floor. Her motion was seconded by Place 3 Councilman Martin Holsome.

A subsequent motion by Mayor Pro Tem Walter Session to extend time for residents to vacate the proper-ty, from April 17 to May 1, died for lack of a second, leaving residents 11 days to move.

The vote came after a second public hearing was held for Pate’s request. An April 5 meeting resulted in a unanimous decision by the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission to deny the request.

All members of the council were present for Wednesday’s meeting. Approximately 30 people attended the meeting at the Rusk Civic Center.