Council approves three rezonings; several ordinances introduced without immediate action

The Eau Claire City Council on Sept. 23 unanimously approved three rezoning ordinances and introduced additional ordinances for later consideration.

Passed ordinances (roll-call votes): The council voted 7–0 to approve an ordinance rezoning property at 3141 North Hastings Way from R2 to C3 (Z-175625); to rezone property at 4437 Old Wells Road from R1A to R1; and to rezone property north of Shady Grove and south of Jackson Street on North Hastings Way from I1 to R4. Directors who presented the items said there was no further information beyond what was in the packet from the prior-night public hearing. Each rezoning passed on a unanimous roll call.

Introduced, no action taken: The council also introduced (for later consideration) three additional ordinances: rezoning at the northwest corner of County Line Road and County Road T (TR1A to I1P), rezoning at the northeast corner of London Road and Damon Street (C3P to R3), and an amendment to Chapter 9.76 (parks public grounds) to allow alcohol in Haymarket Plaza with a signed use agreement. Council chose not to suspend the rules to take up those items at the same meeting.

Why it matters: Rezoning decisions change allowable land uses and can enable new development types. The introduced parks code amendment would permit alcohol at a specific public plaza under a signed use agreement, but that item will return for formal consideration if council schedules it for a subsequent meeting.

Ending: The three rezoning ordinances that were passed will be effective as provided by ordinance; the introduced items remain pending and will be scheduled per council procedures.