Planning commission forwards rezoning for 1818 N. Third St. to City Council

The Temple Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval Monday night of a rezoning request for 1.6938 acres at 1818 North Third Street, voting unanimously to forward the item to City Council for consideration.

Senior neighborhood planner Christina Strickland told commissioners the site is currently split zoned general retail and single family 1 and the owner intends to subdivide it into two lots — one for general retail and one for single family. Strickland said the rezoning would allow a concurrent subdivision plat and that staff reviewed the case with the Development Review Committee on March 25 and identified no issues. “Staff does recommend approval of the rezoning request from retail and single family 1 to general retail and single family 1,” she said.

The rezoning, Strickland said, is in line with the 2020 comprehensive plan and the Garden Neighborhood Planning District guidance to activate Third Street with neighborhood‑appropriate commercial uses and to maintain compatible residential infill. She noted required sidewalks and thoroughfare standards: Third Street is a major arterial requiring a minimum 6‑foot sidewalk on both sides; Shell and Royal avenues are identified as pedestrian connectors with 5‑foot sidewalks expected as properties develop. Strickland said existing water and sewer are available (6‑inch water line along Third Street and 6‑inch sewer lines on and near the parcel) and that 17 owner notices were mailed within the notification boundary; no mailed notices were returned in disagreement or agreement, and the newspaper notice ran March 27 in accordance with state law and local ordinance.

A resident who identified herself as Ally, a Temple resident, asked whether the required sidewalks would be “a sidewalk that goes from nowhere to nowhere.” Staff responded that sidewalks may be installed by development or by the city via grant funding; staff said a Transportation Alternatives Program application for Third Street is being pursued to fill sidewalk gaps. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about access and lot orientation; Strickland said the single‑family lot will front Royal (and may have Shell frontage) and that only one dwelling will be permitted on that lot. No alley is required.

Commissioner Smith moved to recommend approval as presented by staff; Commissioner Carney seconded. The recorded yes votes were Commissioner Morales, Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Juracek, Commissioner Rhodes, Commissioner Kearney, Commissioner Kroeger, Commissioner Longino, Vice Chair Smith and Chair Krause. The motion carried unanimously. The item will next be scheduled before City Council for first and second readings as noted by staff.