Hastings approves rezoning and subdivision to formalize Burr contractor site

The Hastings City Council unanimously approved rezoning a 3.9-acre parcel at 410 North Adams Central Avenue from agricultural to I-1 (light industrial) and approved a preliminary/final plat to create the Kevin Burr Subdivision.

At a public hearing opened by the mayor, Chad Bunger, director of development services, told the council the parcel is part of an approximately 69-acre parent tract used by a long‑standing earth-moving/contractor business. Bunger said the requested 3.9‑acre lot is below the five‑acre minimum for the agricultural district and the proposed light‑industrial zoning better matches the business that has operated on the site since the 1960s. "The project generally conforms with the comprehensive plan," Bunger said, adding the planning commission recommended approval 7‑0.

Bunger noted that much of the larger tract borders a FEMA‑mapped floodway, which limits development, and said existing buildings and improvements on the site lie outside the mapped floodway. He also said sanitary sewer is not available in that area and "can continue as it is today," a common situation in rural portions of the community. Council members asked whether nearby county uses — including a sheriff's firing range and county shops — would conflict with the rezoning. Bunger said he did not anticipate a conflict between the firing range to the west and the proposed industrial use on the parcel.

Council members moved and seconded the ordinance change and the preliminary/final plat after brief discussion. Both measures passed by an 8‑0 vote.

The approvals change the zoning map for the yellow triangular parcel only; Bunger emphasized the larger parent tract will remain agricultural. The city packet notes the rezoning and plat combine a two‑step review into a single action because the subdivision creates only one new lot. Notices of the council actions and the approved plat will be processed per city procedures.