Commission approves rezoning of 1.4 acres at Southline and South Travis to general commercial

The City of Cleveland Planning and Zoning Commission voted to rezone approximately 1.4 acres at the southeast corner of Southline Street and South Travis Avenue from single-family detached residential (R‑1) to general commercial (GC). The motion passed 2‑1 after a public hearing and staff recommendation for approval.

Milu Lovaro, director of community development, summarized the request and staff findings and said the applicant proposes an "office, flex space, business park type of development." Lovaro told the commission that "staff recommends approval of the proposed rezoning from R‑1 to GC."

Developer Scott Lambert, who identified himself as the speaker representing the project, described the concept as a small business‑condo layout intended for trades and light commercial tenants and said the owners are the same group that built the strip center across from Jack in the Box. A partner and on‑site representative, Afta Mujtaba, said the proposed site has physical constraints — a nearby lift station, a ravine, a railroad right‑of‑way and an existing cell tower — and that "we cannot build anything bigger than what we have presented to you." Mujtaba also said: "We cannot have a gas station there, first of all, because there's a railroad track."

During public comment and the applicant exchange commissioners questioned whether the applicant had authority to act for all owners. Commissioner (unnamed) asked for a power of attorney or documentation because multiple partners hold title; the applicant said such documentation "can be provided." Lovaro responded that proof of ownership is generally handled at later stages and that partnership documentation is not a checklist item for the rezoning application.

Lovaro cautioned commissioners that a straight rezoning is not a special‑use permit, so "if you do that, any use that's permitted in general commercial zoning district could be permitted on the property if it meets all the development requirements of our ordinances and zoning codes." She noted buffer yard and setback rules would apply if nonresidential development adjoins residential areas.

The commission discussed spot‑zoning concerns and site constraints; a commissioner asked whether a gas station or other high‑intensity uses were feasible given setbacks and site size. Lovaro said detention requirements (because the parcel is over 1 acre) and other development standards would limit some footprints.

Action: the commission motioned to approve the rezoning; the motion carried 2 in favor, 1 opposed. The approval is a straight zoning change; no special‑use conditions were attached by the commission.

The rezoned parcel and any future development must comply with city development regulations, buffer and detention requirements, and any applicable overlays or site plan review when a development application is submitted.

Next steps: the city will record the zoning map change and the applicant may return with site plans and building permits that must meet all applicable codes and standards.