A public hearing was held to discuss a rezoning request for the property located at 1331 Panel Street Northwest, which currently has a unique dual zoning designation. The northern portion of the site is zoned for suburban residential single-family use, while the southern section is designated as heavy industrial. This split zoning has raised concerns about compatibility with the surrounding residential neighborhood to the north.

Paula Priebe, the planning director, presented an overview of the site, highlighting its historical context as a former sandpit and its current topographical features. The property is adjacent to industrial land to the south and residential areas to the north, complicating the zoning situation. Priebe noted that the existing dual zoning has resulted in significant limitations on the site's development potential, with nearly half of the property deemed non-buildable under current regulations.

The planning commission is considering several options for the rezoning. The applicant has requested a full rezoning to heavy industrial (I2), which would allow for more extensive industrial use but would also push the required setback from residential areas to the northern boundary of the property. Alternatively, the commission could consider rezoning the entire site to light industrial (I1), which would reduce the setback but restrict some heavier industrial activities.

The applicant's representative expressed a willingness to compromise, indicating openness to either the full I2 designation or a split zoning similar to a neighboring property, which has been successfully rezoned in the past. The representative emphasized the importance of designating the area as a truck route, given its railway access, and argued that the current suburban residential zoning is a hindrance to the site's future development.

The planning commission will review the options and make a recommendation to the city commission, which will ultimately decide the fate of the rezoning request. The outcome will have significant implications for the future use of the property and its relationship with the surrounding community.