The Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission voted to table zoning case KZ202533, a request to rezone about 1.05 acres at 1636 North 20th Street from medium-density residential to mixed use, after multiple neighborhood residents raised concerns about parking, traffic and activity associated with the Men of Nehemiah facility on the site.

Kira Velois, planner for the city of Abilene, summarized the request and told the commission that staff considered the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Land Development Code and recommended approval. She also reported that the city received five notices in opposition (11.63% of the notified area).

Several neighbors described recurring problems they attribute to activities at the site, including vehicles parking in the street, blocked driveways, nighttime gatherings and litter. Pam Sites, a nearby resident, said neighbors “applaud the fact that there are places where men getting out of prison can go to receive help,” but added that the group’s “disregard for the neighborhood” has led to traffic and congestion during regular events. Ruben Rodriguez and other residents described cars parked in streets, congestion that limits two‑way passage, and incidents they described as increased crime.

Lee Morris, founder of Nehemiah Abilene and the applicant on the rezoning, acknowledged he lives locally and said the organization would like to add parking and build a dormitory that he said would add about 25 beds. Morris said the recently purchased house at 37078 would be demolished and replaced with a parking lot; he said the dormitory would not increase the current program census beyond that planned expansion. Morris also said the property is state licensed for residential treatment and described the facility as 100% nicotine-free and a locked facility for the initial six months of participation.

Commissioner Kevin moved to table the case to allow the applicant to coordinate with planning and include the adjacent parcel (37078) in a single application; Dante seconded. The motion carried with aye votes recorded. Planning staff explained that rezoning for a parking lot could also be pursued as a conditional use permit (CUP) in the future, which could include a plan of operation with enforceable conditions, but staff clarified a plan of operation cannot be required as a condition of a straight zone change.

Commissioners and staff encouraged further neighborhood conversations before the matter moves to city council, noting the commission is a recommending body and that the council will take final action.