Council denies zoning change for storage site at 825 Airport Freeway; approves assisted-living rezoning in Mid Cities
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Summary
Council denied a rezoning request for a 2.7-acre parcel at 825 Airport Freeway after nearby property owners raised traffic and height concerns, and approved a separate assisted-living rezoning at 458 Mid Cities Boulevard.
Hearst City Council on Aug. 12 denied a zoning change request for a 2.7-acre parcel at 825 Airport Freeway and approved a separate rezoning for an assisted living facility at 458 Mid Cities Boulevard.
The airport-freeway parcel had been proposed for rezoning from General Business Plan Development (GBPD) to Outdoor Commercial Plan Development (OCPD) to allow self-storage and non-climate warehouse bays. Michael Zizek, the applicant's representative, described adjustments to the fire-lane easement and other access improvements. Nearby property-owner interests were represented by Wes Hobblett, who said the adjacent retail and restaurants (including an Outback and Jack in the Box) were concerned about a single point of access and traffic conflicts; Hobblett also cited concerns about building height (proposed up to 45 feet) and lack of neighborhood outreach. Hobblett asked council to preserve the site for retail.
Councilmember discussion asked planning staff to describe the classification "outdoor commercial" and its allowed intensities. After hearing pro and con statements from the applicant and an opposing property-owner representative, a council motion to deny ordinance 26-06 (rezoning to OCPD for Lot 1 Block 1, Cutter Addition) carried by voice vote.
Separately, the council considered a rezoning and site plan to convert a former office building at 458 Mid Cities Boulevard into an assisted-living facility (ordinance 26-07). Clay Christie of Claymore Engineering described interior remodels and a new fenced patio and common areas. Applicant representative Nick Pazarenzo confirmed suites are for one person and that dining and kitchen facilities would be communal rather than in-suite. After council questions about parking and services, council voted to approve ordinance 26-07 (first reading) to rezone the property to Assisted Living Plan Development (ALPB).
Why it matters Rezoning decisions change how parcels can be used and affect traffic, sales-tax potential and neighborhood character. Opponents of the 825 Airport Freeway rezoning argued the site better serves the city's retail and sales-tax goals; proponents cited the property owner's proposal and fire-lane adjustments.
Ending Staff said site-plan approvals and building permits remain required if projects advance; the denied rezoning will halt the applicant's immediate proposal, while the assisted-living rezoning proceeds to subsequent site-plan and permit reviews.
