The Palestine Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 2 approved a request to rezone a parcel on Ohio Street from industrial to mixed residential and will forward the proposal to City Council for final consideration on Jan. 27.

The parcel at issue, described in meeting materials as the John Arthur survey, abstract 4 Block 882, Tracts 121–314, is adjacent to property the commission rezoned in December. Susan, a city staff member who briefed the commission, said the lot is currently split-zoned: "the northeastern corner of it is industrial. The south western corner is mixed residential. It is contiguous to the property that was rezoned last month." She told the commission staff sent eight additional notices and received one response in favor; seven addresses did not respond.

Under the commission's discussion, members noted the lot's proximity to the railroad as the likely reason part of the parcel retained industrial zoning. Commissioners concluded the parcel is not otherwise suitable for industrial uses and moved to approve rezoning the property to mixed residential to align it with adjoining parcels. The commission chair called the vote; the motion passed and will be considered by City Council on Jan. 27.

No members of the public spoke in favor of or in opposition to the rezoning during the public hearing.

The commission's action is a recommendation to City Council; the council will take the final rezoning action when the item appears on its Jan. 27 agenda.