Council tables vote on massage-salon permit at 727 Harwood Road because supermajority required
Summary
Bedford council deferred action on a specific-use permit for a massage salon at 727 Harwood Road after learning a six-of-seven supermajority would be required to override Planning & Zoning’s denial and two council members were absent.
The Bedford City Council voted Oct. 14 to table consideration of a specific-use permit for a proposed massage salon at 727 Harwood Road to the next council meeting after staff confirmed a supermajority would be required to reverse Planning & Zoning’s denial.
Development Director Wes Morrison told the council the applicant proposed to occupy roughly 2,500 square feet in the Harwood shopping center. Planning and Zoning recommended denial (6–1), noting the property lies in a place-focused commercial category emphasizing dining, entertainment and gathering spaces. Staff said the city notified 66 adjoining property owners and received one written opposition.
During the council meeting, the mayor explained that under the applicable rules it would take six affirmative votes out of seven to override the Planning and Zoning denial. Because two council members were absent, the mayor said the council could not reach the required supermajority; the council therefore moved and seconded a motion to table the item to the next meeting.
No applicant representative appeared during the public hearing, and council did not take a final vote on the rezoning at this meeting.
