Commission approves rezoning of one lot to B-2 with childcare-only qualification

The Montgomery Planning Commission approved a request to rezone one lot on the north side of East South Boulevard, approximately 1,300 feet west of Narellan Road, from O-1 to B-2, with a qualification restricting the permitted use to a childcare center unless the owner returns to seek other uses.

A representative for the applicant said the intended use for the property is a childcare center. Members of the public asked whether the rezoning would allow unrelated commercial uses; one resident asked whether the property could later become a service station, nightclub or office. After discussion, a planning commissioner asked whether the owner would accept qualification limiting the rezoning to childcare-only; the applicant’s representative said the current intended use is for childcare and would accept a restriction, and the commission’s motion approved the rezoning “with the qualification as a childcare owner.”

Commissioners discussed that rezoning to B-2 generally allows many commercial uses, which is why the qualification was proposed. Staff and commissioners noted that if the property owner later sought a different use they would have to return to the commission for a new request. The commission recorded the motion, the motion was seconded and the rezoning passed.

The approval permits the applicant to proceed with plans for a childcare center; any change to that use will require a future application and commission action.