Scott Helms seeks mixed use zoning for 2414 Michigan Avenue property

During the recent City of Panama City Planning Board meeting held on June 9, 2025, a significant discussion centered around a request to rezone a parcel of land from Public Institutional to Mixed Use 3. The applicant, Scott Helms, representing Fay Oaks Village, aims to align the zoning with adjacent mixed-use parcels to facilitate potential development.

The property in question, located at 2414 Michigan Avenue, is currently classified as Public Institutional, a designation that no longer reflects its use since it is no longer associated with the church that previously owned it. Board members raised questions about the appropriateness of this zoning classification, given the absence of any public institutional use on the site.

Helms expressed intentions to develop the property for either small warehouse space or townhomes, emphasizing the need for mixed-use zoning to accommodate these plans. However, board members clarified that while Mixed Use 3 allows for neighborhood-scale commercial uses, it does not typically permit warehousing. Instead, such developments are generally directed towards General Commercial zoning.

The meeting also included input from neighboring property owners who expressed opposition to the rezoning, which was documented and entered into the meeting record. Concerns were raised about the potential for future changes in use once the zoning is altered, highlighting the uncertainty that can accompany such decisions.

The discussion underscored the complexities of zoning regulations and their implications for community development. As the board deliberates on this request, the outcome could significantly impact the character of the area, particularly in relation to surrounding residential and commercial properties.

In conclusion, the Planning Board's decision on this rezoning request will be pivotal, not only for the applicant's development plans but also for the broader community dynamics in Panama City. The board is expected to weigh the potential benefits of mixed-use development against the concerns of local residents and the existing zoning framework.