Newcastle Planning Commission approves commercial rezoning and PUD at Highway 76

The Newcastle City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on a significant land use amendment and rezoning proposal for a property located at 1551 State Highway 76. The applicant seeks to change the land use designation from suburban residential to general commercial and rezone the area from suburban estate residential to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) that includes a neighborhood commercial shopping district.

The proposed PUD initially required 70% masonry and 30% other materials for building facades. However, following recommendations from the Planning Commission, the applicant agreed to increase this requirement to 80% masonry and 20% other materials. Additionally, the proposal includes a six-foot tall fence on the north and west sides of the property to separate the commercial area from adjacent residential zones.

The site plan outlines plans for multiple buildings with parking, all accessible from Southwest Sixteenth Street. The applicant confirmed that no access would be permitted from Willow Lane, addressing concerns raised by nearby residents. The development will utilize public water, but due to the absence of sewer services, on-site sewage systems will be necessary, requiring permits from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposal, which was supported by city staff. The council discussed the flexibility that the PUD offers, allowing for adjustments based on community feedback while ensuring compliance with specific architectural and landscaping requirements.

In conclusion, the council's approval of this PUD marks a step towards enhancing commercial opportunities in Newcastle, particularly at the intersection of State Highway 76 and Southwest Sixteenth Street. The next steps will depend on the applicant's adherence to the approved plans and any future modifications they may seek.