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Commission recommends one‑year conditional use permit for auto sales at 102 West Lawrence Street
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a one‑year conditional use permit allowing automobile sales (no repair, no boats/RVs/commercial vehicles) at 102 West Lawrence Street, with conditions including maintenance of ADA parking, sign permitting, and annual renewal.
The Kearney Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the Board of Aldermen approve a conditional use permit allowing automobile sales (no on‑site repairs) at 102 West Lawrence Street, subject to conditions and a one‑year expiration.
Staff presented the application by Rhonda Roberts to operate an automotive sales business at the former Fox and Fire site. The property is zoned C (General Commercial) and vehicle sales are allowed only by conditional use permit in that district. Staff noted existing site improvements include a small building and a striped parking area; the property is approximately 1.74 acres. The commission was told the downtown comprehensive and K‑353 redevelopment plans identify the parcel as an opportunity site for commercial redevelopment, including eligibility for tax abatement if substantial improvements are made.
Conditions recommended by staff and included in the commission’s motion require that the conditional use permit expire one year from approval, limit sales to automobiles (no boats, RVs, trailers, commercial vehicles or equipment), prohibit on‑site automobile repair services, preserve the existing ADA parking space and loading zone, require a sign permit before installing signs and require the project be developed in compliance with city codes, conditions and payment of fees and taxes.
Public comment included an extended statement from Kyle McPhee, the owner of Darby Properties (owner of 1 and 2 West Lawrence), who said he supports the proposal, described a year‑long due diligence process to identify tenants and noted the site’s prior use as a car sales location and recent infrastructure work to prepare the building for occupancy. The applicant and members of her family also spoke and confirmed the conditional use permit term and other requirements. Commissioners discussed parking count and drive‑aisle width; staff indicated the existing striped area provides roughly 16–20 spaces and drive aisles and a small building limit the number of customer parking spaces required for the site size.
A motion recommending approval to the Board of Aldermen carried on a voice vote.
The commission noted that the one‑year permit term allows evaluation of the use and that further site redevelopment could be pursued later under the K‑353 program.
