The City Council has delayed action on a controversial apartment request in the MLK District.
Ericka Stearns is asking that a large residence at the corner of 10th and Park streets be allowed to go back into use as apartments. She said it is set up for six units.
Planning Agency officials said on a 1928 map the location was a multi-family residence.
Ms. Stearns said she has secured a lease with the nearby Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for residents to use some of the church parking spots.
Some nearby residents and officials of the MLK Neighborhood Association are opposing the request, saying they want to see the trend continue in the district of a return to single-family homes.
One opponent said occupants of the units may start parking on the streets instead of walking to the church parking lot - taking up scarce on-street spots.
Councilwoman Deborah Scott said there was no guarantee that down the road the church would still be in a position to supply the parking spots.
Councilman Jack Benson said he believes Ms. Stearns got a good deal on the property because it had lost its multi-family zoning. She said she has $85,000 invested in the 35,000-square-foot residence.
Councilman Andrae McGary said he believes the project is in line with the MLK Plan, which calls for a diversity of housing and multi-family on some prominent street corners.
He moved for a two-week delay so that city officials can take a closer look at the parking issue.