Planning panel backs mixed-use designation, rezoning recommendation for 520 Milton St.

The City of Josephine Planning & Zoning Commission on Dec. 18 voted to recommend approval of a future land‑use amendment and a rezoning to allow mixed‑use/local retail at 520 Milton Street, a roughly 1.48‑acre site near the FM‑6 corridor.

City planner Miguel told commissioners the change (CPA25-0002) is intended to reflect the site’s proximity to the highway, an expected road widening and a water tower, saying the parcel is unlikely to succeed as low‑density housing and could serve as a small commercial node or trailhead. “Because of the proximity to the highway, the expected widening of the highway and just activity near that intersection, development of residential properties…is highly unlikely,” Miguel said.

Why it matters: commissioners and staff said the narrow lot and nearby infrastructure make mixed use a better long‑term fit than continued residential designation. No residents submitted letters within the 200‑foot notification area, and no public speakers spoke in opposition at the hearing.

The rezoning application (ZONE25-003) to change the zoning from Single‑Family 1 to Local Retail was presented as a straight rezoning without a site plan requirement. Miguel said the applicant has discussed a small strip of retail uses but noted that, if rezoned, the property could later support any use allowed in local retail. Commissioners asked about lot depth and the TxDOT right‑of‑way; staff said the state agency has already acquired the necessary right‑of‑way and did not expect additional expansion beyond the current parcel line.

Action and next steps: the commission moved to recommend approval of CPA25-0002 and ZONE25-003 as presented, and both motions carried. The record shows the commission’s action is a recommendation to city council; council must take final action on the ordinance and rezoning.

Speakers quoted

Miguel, City planner: “This is a future land use amendment for the 2 parcels located on the north side of the intersection of Milton and Cook Street…The applicant is requesting a designation of mixed use.”

Context and constraints

The parcels total roughly 1.48 acres and sit adjacent to a water tower and the FM‑6 corridor. Staff emphasized the designation change is guidance for potential future rezonings and not a zoning approval itself. The commission’s recommendation now moves the matter to city council for final consideration.

Outcome

The commission recommended approval of the future land‑use amendment and the rezoning request; council review and final votes are pending.