Planning commission recommends rezoning downtown parcels back to Central Business District to allow immediate rehabilitation

The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend that city council rezone several parcels on Ford Road back to Central Business District (CBD) after the developer said financing for a previously approved four‑story planned development fell through.

Planner Mister Ortega told the commission the owner had initially sought a PD to build a four‑story mixed‑use building but was unable to secure necessary financing; the owner requested rezoning back to CBD so they could renovate and re‑occupy existing buildings. The owner told the commission the change was intended to "give the city the best possible outcome for what we are capable of doing," and said the team could "start right away" on renovations once the zoning is reverted.

Commissioners discussed running a parallel, quick review to amend CBD height limits in appropriate locations so future higher‑rise development can be enabled by ordinance rather than repeated PD rezoning. The motion to recommend reverting the parcels to CBD passed 4‑0; staff will forward the recommendation to city council and prepare draft zoning amendments to consider permitted heights in the CBD in coming meetings.