Council approves rezoning at 11950 E. 60th St. for two rental units

The Lawrence City Common Council on Jan. 15 voted unanimously to approve rezoning petition 24ZON01, allowing the property at 11950 East 60 Fifth Street to change from C-3 to D-3 zoning to permit conversion of the existing structure into two rental units.

The petition, presented by Paul Pizzello on behalf of the property owner, asks to change the classification of an existing, derelict wood-frame building into a two-unit dwelling. Pizzello said the owner plans to remodel rather than demolish the structure and that the front unit would contain two bedrooms while the rear unit would be a one-bedroom unit. He said no additional square footage would be added and that structural and foundation work is planned.

Keith Johnson, representing field administration, told the council the administration supported the rezoning, that the permit office and Public Works staff had reviewed the proposal, and that the city master plan designates the area as mixed-use. Following the public hearing the council moved, seconded and voted to approve the petition; the clerk recorded the vote as unanimous.

Petitioner Stefano Lorenzo said the rear unit would have a single bedroom and one driveway, while the front unit would be larger and include two bedrooms and two-car parking in front. Pizzello described planned structural work including new footings and framing to meet the city's residential code and said he had prepared drawings for building-permit review.

The council closed the public hearing before taking the motion. There were no recorded public speakers in opposition during the hearing record.

The rezoning takes effect following any required administrative steps for ordinance adoption and permitting; the council's action was to approve the rezoning petition on first (and only) action during the meeting.