Commission backs rezoning of 703 East White Street to C2 despite neighbor concerns about notice

The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 voted 3–2 to recommend approval of a rezoning request for 703 East White Street from its current designation to C2 regional commercial.

Abhishek “AJ” Jain, the applicant, told the commission the site could support retail, restaurants and childcare permitted in C2 zoning but said he had not settled on specific tenants. Commissioners questioned whether the applicant had discussed the change with adjacent property owners and whether city-required signage posted on the property had been removed. Planning staff said the sign had been put up but is occasionally removed and that the city would ensure a new sign is posted before council consideration; staff also said postcards were mailed to properties within 200 feet.

Neighbors and commissioners expressed concern that the rezoning would blanket the entire track with C2 despite adjacent single-family homes; Commissioner Moore and others questioned whether a C1 (local commercial) designation would be a more appropriate transition. Kimberly Christensen, a nearby property owner at 219 East White Street who said she had spoken with neighbors, said the applicants had discussed fire-lane easements and that some neighbors had already been contacted.

Commissioner Martin made the motion to recommend approval, seconded by the commissioner listed in the record as Walmart; the motion passed 3–2. The commission record shows staff will replace the missing sign and that mailed notices were sent; no votes or conditions about signage were added at the Planning and Zoning level. The matter moves to City Council for final consideration.