Planning commission recommends land-use amendment, rezoning and subdivision approval for Brewer property at East Francis and S. Bridal

The Planning Commission on April 28 recommended a suite of actions related to the Brewer property at the intersection of East Francis Street and South Bridal Avenue: an amendment to the City's future land-use map (AM26-004), a rezoning (Z26-003) and approval of the preliminary and final Brewer Subdivision (SU26-006).

Planning staff told the commission the amendment is intended to change three vacant lots from agricultural to commercial in the future land-use map and explained that the rezoning would allow the applicants to pursue commercial development on the northern parcels while the southern lot could be converted to residential. Staff said the area already contains a mix of high-density residential and commercial uses and that planning staff has no objection to the amendment if the commission supports the rezoning.

Commissioners focused on the scale and appropriateness of B2 (highway commercial) versus B1 (neighborhood commercial) uses near existing single-family homes and new townhomes; one commissioner said B2 is appropriate on outer perimeters, while others favored B1 closer to residences. Commissioners also discussed whether Lot 3 (about 1 acre adjacent to three homes) should remain R3 residential rather than becoming commercial.

After discussion the commission moved to recommend AM26-004 (amending the future land-use map to commercial for the two northern lots and to residential for the lot south on Taber), to recommend rezoning under Z26-003 to B1 neighborhood commercial for the northern parcel(s) and R3 for the southern lot, and to recommend preliminary and final approval of SU26-006. Motions were seconded and carried; the items will be forwarded to City Council on May 5.

Quotes:
"I feel like B2 should be more on the outer perimeter of a residential district," one commissioner said, urging more restrictive neighborhood commercial zoning near homes.

"They can come back with conditional use if they want something more specific," another commissioner said, noting options exist if a future developer seeks an intensive use.

What the commission did: The commission passed motions recommending the amendment to the future land-use map, the modified rezoning (favoring B1 and R3), and preliminary/final approval of the subdivision; all recommendations will go to City Council for May 5 public hearing.

Ending: The commission forwarded its recommendations to the City Council, noting that final zoning and subdivision approvals rest with the council following public hearing.