Commission records split vote on rezoning of church property at 410 W. Saint Louis; refers matter to Board of Aldermen

The Planning and Zoning Commission heard a rezoning request for an approximately 1.2-acre tract at 402–410 West Saint Louis Street and referred the map amendment to the Board of Aldermen after a divided vote that the commission recorded as "3 3 2." The applicant, identified as Brian Smith, told the commission he plans to use part of the site for a State Farm office and to create small rentable offices in the basement as a business incubator.

The applicant described existing building uses and the proposed change: the site currently contains a church with attached office and a house-like structure that has been used as the church office. "That house is the church office," Brian Smith said, and described that, if the church moves, he would continue office uses and add a few basement offices for rent. "I don't plan on moving it again," he said, describing his long-term intention to remain at the location.

Commission discussion focused on the city’s Future Land Use Plan and neighborhood protections. Commissioner Love cited section 2.6 of the Future Land Use Plan, saying it requires that "existing neighborhoods must be protected and preserved from development pressures that may otherwise negatively impact property values, neighborhood character, or other quality of life issues," and warned that C1 zoning carries many permitted uses that could be allowed without additional commission review.

Commissioners also questioned fire and building-code implications for converting sanctuary or other spaces to offices, including whether sprinklering would be required. A staff member and commissioners advised the applicant to consult the fire district; the applicant said he has funding available to make required upgrades.

Procedural outcome: Commissioner Goodman moved to approve the map amendment and a second was recorded. During roll call and subsequent counting the commission’s tally was recorded as "3 3 2," and the item was referred to the Board of Aldermen for final action.

Why it matters: rezoning from R1A (residential) to C1 (commercial) would expand the range of allowed uses at a downtown property and could affect neighbors’ property lines, building setbacks and permitted activities in the immediate block. Commissioners expressed concern about how to protect neighborhood character while allowing small-business activity.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Recommend approval of a map amendment rezoning approximately 1.2 acres at 402–410 West Saint Louis Street (P&Z 2025-2, Brian Smith) from R1A to C1. - Mover: Commissioner Goodman. - Seconder: (recorded second at meeting). - Tally (as recorded at the meeting): Yes 3, No 3, Abstain 2. Outcome: referred to Board of Aldermen for final decision.