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Aldermen and planning commission discuss possible rezoning along Western Avenue; split over city as applicant
Summary
Planning staff told the Board of Aldermen May 6 that a section of Western Avenue currently occupied by mobile homes is shown as commercial in the future land-use map and asked whether the city should be the applicant to rezone the area; aldermen were divided.
The Board of Aldermen fielded a request May 6 from the Planning and Zoning Commission to clarify whether the city should be the applicant for a possible rezoning along Western Avenue, where the future land-use map shows commercial uses and many existing mobile homes do not conform to current zoning.
Staff said the area is shown in the future land-use map as commercial (or possibly multifamily), while existing uses are primarily mobile homes, which are not allowed under current code. Planning staff recommended starting the rezoning process proactively so future development aligns with the comprehensive plan. Planning and Zoning asked the board whether the city should initiate the rezoning application (an option in the code) or leave it to a property owner applicant.
Aldermen expressed mixed views. Several members supported staff moving forward with a Planning and Zoning public hearing and recommendation; others argued that a property owner should initiate rezoning to avoid the city incurring costs and to avoid perceptions the city was targeting specific homeowners. Some members asked staff to forward constituent emails and property-owner perspectives to Planning and Zoning for consideration.
The board did not make a final decision at the May 6 meeting; staff were asked to collect stakeholder input and to bring the matter back through Planning and Zoning with public notice if the board directs initiation.
