Council approves rezoning for Adams Avenue parcels to enable duplex development

The Evansville Common Council voted 9-0 on Aug. 26 to adopt Ordinance R-20-24-27, rezoning three parcels on Adams Avenue from C-4 (commercial) with a use and development commitment (UDC) to CO-2 to permit residential duplexes.

Krista (spelled in the record as Krista Lockyer) presented on behalf of the applicant (SS & K LLC). The Area Plan Commission recommended approval (9-0). The application included a UDC that specifically prohibits a mobile home park (SU-8); Lockyer told council members that the developer plans duplex units and has no intention of establishing group homes. She said the application currently contemplates a single duplex but could not irrevocably commit to unit counts at the time of the rezoning; if unit numbers require site review, that process will follow.

Several council members raised the city’s recent conversations about group homes and recovery-home regulations; councilors asked for clarity that the UDC will prevent unwanted uses. The applicant stated on the record that they have no intention to place a group home on the site and are amenable to use commitments limiting certain uses. Local resident and community representatives, including Leonard Collins (who identified the area as Goosetown), spoke in support, noting the long delay in development on the lots and expressing optimism that the proposed duplexes will align with neighborhood character. Council members encouraged careful design review when the project reaches site review.

Councilman Burton moved adoption; the motion was seconded and the ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call. The record shows the APC found the rezoning consistent with the 2035 future land-use map’s mixed-use recommendation.

The rezoning changes the allowable uses on the parcels but does not, itself, finalize site plans, unit counts or design details; those will be considered during subsequent site-review or permitting steps if required.