Council rezones Salvation Army property at 2840 Highland Avenue, bars fueling stations and drive‑throughs

The Montgomery City Council voted to rezone the Salvation Army property at 2840 Highland Avenue from AR‑60S to AB‑2 with conditions that prohibit service stations, drive‑through windows and car washes.

Why it matters: The Salvation Army told council members it has completed its mission for the property and plans to sell; rezoning is intended to broaden potential redevelopment options while limiting uses neighbors and councilors said would generate traffic and other impacts.

Chuck Lascock, speaking for the Salvation Army, said the organization has finished its work related to the property and is ready to sell. He told the council that the sale is intended to “open up a broader range of uses” for the 2.2‑acre site and “create a path for redevelopment and revitalization.” Lascock said the site currently has a single entrance on Ann Street and that future connection to Highland Avenue “could” be possible but is not currently available.

Council members discussed traffic, access and neighborhood concerns. One council member suggested adding a restriction (the “queue”) to prevent uses such as service stations and drive‑through windows that would increase curb cuts and circulation issues; the amendment that added those restrictions passed (nine members voting; the roll call showed eight yes and one abstention on the amendment) and council then adopted the ordinance as amended.

The ordinance was adopted as amended by the council, and the rezoning will allow the property owner to market the site to a wider set of potential buyers while restricting fueling stations, drive‑through facilities and car washes as permitted uses.