Council advances rezoning request for shopping plaza space to allow a gym; first reading approved

The Freeport City Council took first-reading action on Ordinance 2025-39, a zoning map amendment at 1500 Southwest Avenue (a shopping plaza) requested by REA 4 Asset LLC. The petitioner seeks to rezone the parcel from B1-1 (restricted retail business) to B2-1 (limited service business district) to make the tenant space available to a prospective gym operator.

Staff report: Elizabeth (community development) told the council the site includes established retail uses and the petitioner wants to broaden allowable uses to attract a tenant to a vacant space that had been empty since about October 2022 (the Hallmark space). The zoning board of appeals recommended approval on 06/05/2025 (5-0) and the planning commission recommended approval on 06/12/2025 (6-0). Staff said LaSalle-Stringer factors were reviewed and staff recommended approval.

Council questions focused on the scope of renovation and timing; Elizabeth said only tenant-space improvements are expected and there was no demolition planned. The petitioner did not state an urgent timeline when asked.

Action: The council moved the ordinance on to the next meeting (first reading) to allow final action at a subsequent session.

Why it matters: Rezoning would increase permitted uses for the tenant space, allowing a gym and potentially making the property more marketable. The planning bodies recommended approval by unanimous votes.

Next steps: Because the item was on first reading the council will consider final passage at a future meeting; staff will provide any required findings and conditions for final action.