The City Plan Commission convened on July 29, 2023, to address significant zoning issues, including a request from Cooley Cap, Inc. to refile a rezoning petition for a property located at 200-212 11th Street South. The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the previous session, followed by the introduction of new council member Mark Newman.

Director Train provided context on the rezoning request, noting that a prior petition had been rejected due to a lack of supermajority support, which was subsequently repealed by ordinance 24 0683. This ordinance allows for a refiled petition if a substantial change in circumstances is demonstrated, a determination that now rests with the Common Council.

During discussions, it was highlighted that the commission lacked a staff recommendation on the matter, as the decision on whether a substantial change exists is ultimately at the discretion of the Common Council. Following deliberation, a motion was made to approve the request for refiling, but it faced opposition. Council President Kahlo expressed the view that the decision should be referred to the full Common Council instead.

A subsequent motion to refer the matter to the Common Council was passed with a vote of five in favor and three against, indicating a clear preference for further deliberation at the council level. The commission's decision will now move to the Joint Neighborhood and Development Committee meeting scheduled for the following evening, where further discussions on the rezoning petition will take place.