MAPC backs rezoning at 2926 Wood Street; LUO limits several commercial uses

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on Jan. 14 recommended rezoning 2926 Wood Street from R1 single-family to C3 general commercial with a limited-use overlay for 0.81 acres. The overlay would prohibit specific uses including gas fueling stations, off-premise billboards, vehicle repair, certain animal care uses and adult entertainment.

Horizon Land Surveying’s Danny Burns said the church’s intent is to rezone that portion of property for potential future sale; no specific development plan was presented. City staff concluded the application met the six rezoning criteria and recommended approval with stipulations addressing engineering, stormwater, floodplain compliance and the specific LUO prohibitions.

At least two nearby residents spoke. Robert Rubinstein said he and other neighbors received certified notice but had limited information and questioned why a noncommercial 501(c)(3) entity would rezone land for commercial uses; he described past rezoning attempts nearby and said he worries about incremental commercialization of the area. Sherry Cartwright said she received only a certified letter and had not been contacted directly; she noted children’s bus stops and pedestrian crossings near the parcel and expressed concern about added traffic.

Commissioners reviewed the future land-use map and staff noted the area shows as “high intensity” on the land-use map. Commissioner Little moved approval subject to staff conditions; the motion passed on a voice vote. Staff advised the applicant to place the item on the City Council agenda for final action before the city deadline.