Council rezones 1906 S. Evans Ave. from industrial to single-family residential

The Evansville Common Council on Aug. 26 adopted Ordinance R-20-24-26 to rezone property at 1906 South Evans Avenue from M-2 (general industrial) to R-1 (single-family residential). The council approved the ordinance 9-0 following a presentation by the Area Plan Commission and brief public comment.

Cassie Virgin of the Area Plan Commission told council members the site lies at the edge of a predominantly residential area and that the city’s future land-use map designates the parcel for residential uses. The property's single-family residence was built in 1981; a past owner rezoned the lot to M-2 in 1983 after receiving a violation for outdoor storage associated with a landscaping business and the residence remained a legal nonconforming use. The applicant, represented by Steve Boliver on behalf of Tevin Woodruff, told the council the outdoor storage has been removed and the new owner seeks to return the lot to lawful single-family residential zoning.

A nearby resident, Corinne Slay, spoke during public comment to raise a concern about an exhibit’s legal description referencing the right-of-way; APC and applicant representatives explained the exhibit described the Evans Avenue right-of-way and would not negatively affect adjacent properties. The APC recommended approval with nine affirmative votes prior to the council vote.

Steve Boliver, representing the applicant, and Cassie Virgin both answered council questions; no changes to development plans were proposed. Councilman Burton moved adoption, Councilwoman Kayla Lindsey seconded, and the council declared the ordinance adopted on a unanimous roll call.

The rezoning removes the property’s legal nonconforming designation and formally allows continued single-family use under R-1 zoning. The council record indicates staff and APC concluded the request is consistent with the 2035 future land-use map.

No formal amendments or conditions were added on the council floor.