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After reversing course, the Winchester City Council has denied a rezoning request that would have allowed a triplex dwelling in the 800 block of South High Street.

The request was made by Michael Thomason who told the council and an audience of 25 on June 13 that rumors had been circulated that indicated he planned to build a large-scale apartment complex on the property.

“Nothing could be farther from the truth,” he said.

Thomason said the zoning from an R-1, low-density residential district to an R-3A, high-density alternative district would allow him to build the triplex which he deemed would not be an infringement on the neighborhood.

However, nearby residents disagreed with emotional responses that prompted Mayor Terry Harrell to strike his gavel more than once to maintain order. They said the development would not blend in with the neighborhood and would reduce property values.

The council had approved the rezoning on the ordinance’s first reading on May 9. However, the public outcry prompted a different response on the second and final vote when the rezoning request was denied.

Thomason said after the vote was taken that he will apply again for R-2, medium-density residential district status in hopes of being able to place more than a single-family home on the lot. He explained that his goal is to gain rental income from the property to help his family.

Residents said they will also oppose a request to rezone the property to R-2.