Committee advances multiple zoning map amendments, holds data-center task force resolution until September

The Regulations Committee on Wednesday advanced a slate of zoning map amendments and delayed action on a proposed data-center task force resolution.

Michelle Wood of the Department of Planning Services presented five separate rezoning proposals that drew staff explanation, limited neighbor concerns and planning commission recommendations. The committee gave due-pass recommendations for each zoning item and recorded unanimous committee votes to advance them.

The largest item, Z-26-05-13, covers about 0.842 acres at 5805 Fairfield Ave. and 430 W. Cox Drive, the site of an aging gas station proposed for demolition and redevelopment. Wood said the request would consolidate parcels, reorient pumps and add landscaping and fencing to push commercial activity toward the corridor and preserve green space toward the neighborhood. Planning commission staff reported three neighbors had voiced concerns about crime, noise, traffic and privacy; the planning commission’s 5–1 due-pass recommendation included a written commitment restricting heavier C3 uses across the entire property.

"This finally is a plan that really treats the entire property and makes it brand new," Wood said, describing changes to access points and a new orientation to improve safety.

Other rezoning items advanced included a downzoning at 1626 Oxford Street (Z-26-05-14) to reflect long-standing single-family use; a rezoning at 4036 Westbury Drive (Z-26-05-15) from R1 to R2 to enable duplex construction as part of urban infill; a request at 7953 W. Jefferson Blvd. (Z-26-05-16) to allow a neurological rehabilitation center on the Lutheran campus; and an R1-to-R3 rezoning on Beacon Street (Z-26-05-17) intended for workforce housing.

Councilwoman Raleigh Booker asked members to hold resolution G-26-06-31—the data-center and community quality-of-life-plus task force—so staff and council can continue developing the group’s scope; members voted to hold that resolution until Sept. 8.

All zoning items before the committee received due-pass recommendations and were advanced by unanimous committee votes; final council action will be required for adoption.