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E-mail This StoryAn estimated 22 businesses dealing in check cashing, payday loans, title loans and similar offerings operate within the city of Mesquite.
An amendment to a city zoning ordinance approved by a unanimous vote of city council is intended to limit areas of the city in which these businesses can locate. An investigation into a shift in zoning policy for such businesses began about two months ago at the request of city council.
“Having a large number of these businesses in a corridor does make it difficult to revitalize an area,” said Richard Gertson, director of community development for the city of Mesquite.
City staff indicated in a report to council that the proliferation of check cashing, payday loan and title loan businesses creates negative perceptions about the economic viability of communities. The report adds that problems are especially acute with the businesses in struggling neighborhoods and distressed commercial corridors where these businesses can overpopulate storefronts.
The city is focused on revitalization efforts and indicates these businesses add an extra obstacle in renewal.
Council unanimously approved a zoning amendment to restrict alternative financial institutions to the general retail, limited commercial and commercial and industrial districts. A conditional use permit will now be required of these businesses and would be required to be located in free-standing buildings on lots spaced at least 1,000 feet apart and separated by 200 feet or more from residential areas. These businesses would also be prohibited from the city’s interstate corridors and all zoning overlay districts.
“I think this is good for the citizens and good for the city of Mesquite,” said Councilman Stan Pickett.
Among the impacts cited in a staff report to council on alternative financial institutions was perception of economic decline, negative impact on property value growth, displacement of full-service banking institutions, operations preying on financially irresponsible and credit challenged, and unaesthetic business appearances. Among the cities cited which have taken similar action is Richardson.
E-mail Brian Porter at bporter@acnpapers.com or comment on this story at www.scntx.com.
