The neighborhood group fighting a proposed apartment building on a piece of land tucked away down a narrow alley near 51st and Spruce will hold a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 21 that will include City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who is sponsoring legislation to rezone the parcel.

Developers Callahan Ward want to build a 33-unit building with ground floor commercial at 303 S. 51st St., where a defunct auto body shop sits in the middle of the block, surrounded by the backyards of several adjacent properties. The only access to the property is via a small alley. Callahan Ward can build the building “by right,” meaning they don’t need community approval. 

Neighbors for Healthy Community Development (NHCD) is asking Callahan Ward to downsize the project and provide results of environmental impact studies. More than 300 people have signed a petition asking Callahan Ward officials to meet with community members. So far the firm has refused all of the requests.

NHCD organizers said Blackwell has invited officials from the city’s fire department and Department of Licenses and Inspections to the meeting. Blackwell is sponsoring legislation that would change the zoning of several parcels near Malcolm X. Park, including 303 S. 51st St. The new zoning would be for single family homes. But that would not impact the Callahan Ward proposal because the property was bought earlier this year.

Monday’s meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:00 at the First Corinthian Baptist Church (51st and Pine).