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Commission tables rezoning of 1410 Wilmot Avenue amid parking and neighborhood concerns, waives application fees for owner if subdividing
Summary
The commission on Sept. 9 voted to table the second‑reading zoning request to rezone 1410 Wilmot Avenue to Neighborhood General (NG) for 30 days (two meetings) to allow the applicant and staff to pursue parcel subdivision and parking agreements; the commission also agreed to waive certain application fees if subdivision is requested.
Panama City commissioners tabled a rezoning request for 1410 Wilmot Avenue on Sept. 9 after extended public comment from neighbors and a detailed staff explanation that the property’s configuration raises parking and subdivision challenges.
Tony Medrano, the applicant, said he intends to redevelop the former church property to provide multiplex housing and serve adjacent college needs. Neighbors raised concerns about density, parking, trash and changes to the single‑family character. Jennifer Davis, who lives nearby, told the commission she opposed duplex or multifamily conversions because of perceived neighborhood impacts.
Michael Fuller, director of development services, explained staff’s recommendation and why dividing the parcel into oddly shaped lots would create a “flag lot” with parking located on a different parcel than the building. Fuller told the commission that staff would accept an off‑site parking agreement in perpetuity (e.g., a recorded cross‑access or permanent parking easement) if the applicant could demonstrate permission to use adjacent property for parking; that would avoid creating an odd‑shaped lot.
Commissioner Street moved to deny the rezoning to prompt further discussion; after deliberation he amended his motion to table the item for two meetings to allow the applicant to pursue subdivision and parking agreements, and to waive the drilling/application fees associated with subdivision because the request was driven by a city zoning review. The motion to table for 30 days (two meetings) and to waive fees passed 5–0.
The commission emphasized encouraging development that fits neighborhood context and recommended that the applicant and staff pursue permanent parking agreements with neighboring property owners rather than creating parking lots on single‑family parcels. Staff was asked to coordinate with the applicant and report back at the next meeting.
