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Commission recommends annexation and approves commercial general zoning for corner lot at Freedom Estates
Summary
Planning commissioners approved zoning the remaining parcel at the corner of Gilbert Drive and Freedom Boulevard as Commercial General pending annexation; nearby residents expressed concern about potential light, traffic and fencing restrictions but staff noted buffers and light controls apply to future development.
The Florence City Planning Commission approved recommending commercial general zoning for a remaining parcel at the intersection of Gilbert Drive and Freedom Boulevard, a corner lot associated with the Freedom Estates subdivision.
Planner Elaine Lane told the commission the parcel is the remainder of property set aside when Freedom Estates was annexed and developed; the owners now seek annexation and Commercial General zoning to match the adjacent corner parcel. "They... now just want to annex it and zone it commercial general, which is in keeping with the way it is right now," Lane said.
Several neighborhood residents spoke against commercial zoning for the one-acre parcel. Nina Green, a Freedom Estates resident, said the community would prefer residential use or park space and expressed concerns about fencing limitations and increased traffic. "We do not want it to be a commercial property," Green said, adding worries about light, crime and HVAC thefts during construction.
Brittany Snee, another resident, asked that any future business avoid light pollution and heavy traffic, noting the neighborhood pond and families who use neighborhood walking loops.
Commissioners voted to approve the zoning recommendation. Lane reminded the public that any commercial development adjacent to residential areas would have to meet buffer-yard requirements and light-control measures in the UDO: "There are buffer yard requirements, there are light pollution preventative measures that have be taken by any applicant that would go in there," she said. Commissioners also noted that the planning commission is a recommending body and that city council will make the final decision on annexation and zoning.
