Rezoning request at Sue and Holly tabled after neighbors raise traffic and use concerns

Property owner Scott Waramp asked the Brandon Planning and Zoning Commission on July 2 to rezone a vacant corner lot at Sue Boulevard and Holly from R1 to General Business to make commercial redevelopment possible. Waramp said the lot had been a cleared site for more than a decade and that commercial options fit the location across from existing strip retail.

Neighbor Kathy Hammer, who lives at 108 Robin Place directly behind the lot, said she and other nearby residents do not want a gas station at the corner and would prefer uses that are compatible with the neighborhood, such as a small strip of neighborhood-focused businesses.

Staff explained the rezoning process: the Planning and Zoning Commission makes a recommendation to city council, council holds public readings and could approve or deny, and any approval becomes effective after publication and a 20-day referendum period. Staff also noted access requirements for arterial roads generally require any access to be 300 feet from an intersection and that a traffic study could be required to determine where an access point is feasible. The panel discussed options such as mutual access easements, median/right-in-right-out solutions, or a possible city acquisition or easement to secure access.

After discussion, the applicant agreed to meet with staff to evaluate whether a neighborhood-business designation might be preferable and to clarify access options. The commission then voted to table the rezoning to the July 16 meeting to allow staff and the applicant to explore alternatives and provide additional information.

Motion and scheduling: the applicant moved to table the item and Johnson seconded; the motion carried. The item will return to the commission on July 16 to consider staff-recommended next steps and any alternative zoning or access solutions.

Next steps: staff will work with the applicant on potential neighborhood-business zoning, access options such as easements or traffic improvements, and whether a traffic study will be required; those findings will be presented at the July 16 meeting.