Rezoning request at Elm & Iowa fails at planning commission after neighbor opposition

The Mitchell Planning Commission voted down a rezoning request from Harris Properties LLC to change a parcel at the southwest corner of Elm Avenue and Iowa Street from highway‑density residential to highway‑oriented business.

Staff described notices, a packet with five responses opposed and three returned in favor shown at the meeting, and explained that the applicant sought to mirror the business zoning immediately to the south. Applicant Dave Harris said he worked with a local lumber/contractor to design a building with six units and an end garage with east‑facing overhead doors; he acknowledged some neighbor pushback but said other neighbors expressed support.

Commissioners raised questions about an alley that remains public and whether a future alley vacation would be needed, and probed the applicant about neighbor outreach. After discussion a motion to approve the rezoning was put to a vote and the motion failed at the commission; staff announced the matter will be scheduled for first reading before the city council next Monday.

The transcript records the vote as a roll call and the motion’s defeat; the commission did not approve the rezoning at this meeting, and the council will receive the item for consideration.