Commission approves rezoning of three West 20th Avenue lots to neighborhood commercial

The Covington Planning and Zoning Commission voted to rezone three adjacent lots at 321, 319 and 317 West 20th Avenue from single-family residential (RSL) to neighborhood commercial (CN).

Applicant Gavin Gidrick (address provided in the record as 79583 Highway 25, Folsom, LA) told the commission the parcels historically hosted commercial uses and that the middle lot (319) previously operated as a café. He said community members have expressed interest in leasing space for neighborhood-serving uses such as a small grocery, café, fitness or nonprofit programs and that the applicant envisions restoring and improving existing cinder-block buildings and facades.

Commissioners and members of the public voiced support for the rezoning. Commissioner comments emphasized that surrounding blocks already include commercial or office-commercial zoning and that a CN designation would align the square with adjacent uses. Dr. Peter Lewis, a nearby resident at 415 West 20th Avenue, spoke in favor of the proposal, citing the area’s history as informal mentoring and youth-program spaces and urging the commission to approve the rezoning to support neighborhood revitalization.

The commission carried the motion to rezone, and the chair congratulated the applicant. The approved rezoning recommendation will go to the city council for final action as required by the city’s adoption process for zoning map amendments.

Votes and formal outcome

• Motion to rezone Lots 89 and 10 (square 2803) at West 20th Avenue and North Jackson Avenue from RSL to CN (Case No. 25-07-06ZC): approved by roll call.