Council rezones 1624 N. 13th for duplex development; alley access to change with overpass work

The council unanimously adopted a rezoning ordinance Sept. 4 to change the classification of a property at 1624 North Thirteenth Street from M-1 to allow residential duplex development. Attorney Eddie Felling, representing the applicant, said the property was incorrectly zoned M-1 and that the zoning change will allow two three-bedroom duplex units previously approved with variances by the Board of Zoning Appeals. "This property, for whatever reason, is zoned m 1. It is clearly not an m 1 property," Felling said. Council discussion noted planned highway/overpass work in the area. Staff said the future overpass will raise Thirteenth Street grade and likely eliminate front-street access to the parcel; the city plans to pave the alley and provide alley access for parking and entry. Staff said right-of-way purchases for the overpass would not affect the parcel’s ownership but would change access. The council voted to take action and then adopt special ordinance 37-20-25 by voice vote. The transcript records no roll-call tally; the motion passed unanimously according to the meeting record.