NATCHEZ — The Natchez Planning Commission voted 5-2 Thursday to approve a site plan for a 26-unit townhouse affordable housing development on the corner of St. Catherine and Rambert streets.

Commissioners Karen Stubbs and Charles Harrison voted against the proposed development. Chairperson Deborah Martin and Cheryl Rinehart were not at the meeting.

The proposed development would be funded through the Section 42 tax credit program and constructed, managed and owned by the parent company Charter Companies based in Oxford.

The project’s architect, David Kelly of Charter Consulting, answered commissioners’ questions and addressed concerns of Margaret Perkins, CEO of First Natchez Radio Group, about the development.

Perkins said the development would be 80 feet from the radio group’s front door. She said she wants to protect the very expensive radio equipment and her property from vandalism, drugs and violence that low-income housing tends to breed.

Perkins said she would like a buffer of trees between her property and the development to shield view, noise and deter trespassers. Kelly said if the company could spare the existing trees without cost to the project, it would.

Commissioners voiced concerns about safety, security and the fact that there is a vacant affordable housing around the city, such as Brumfield Apartments, because developers abandoned the projects.

Kelly said his company has a zero-tolerance policy for crime. He assured the commission that the company would protect its residents and investment.

Commissioner Key Smith said he believes the commission gets off-topic in meetings asking questions that are not appropriate for a site-plan review.

Stubbs said the commission’s function is to protect Natchez residents.

“If the city planning is not here for protecting the city and county residents, their property value and rights, then what are we doing,” she said.

In other news from the meeting:

•Roth Hill casino developers did not make a planned presentation to the Natchez Planning Commission.