The hearing examiner recommended approval of a rezoning petition for 26 West Minnesota Street (2024 ZON 142), which would change approximately 0.13 acre from I1 (industrial) to a residential district classification to allow construction of four single-family homes. Planning staff recommended denial, citing the Marion County land-use map and the site’s location between commercial and industrial parcels.

Petitioner’s proposal and supporters
Anthony Beal, representing the petitioner (1230 Maddox Road; petitioner also present), said he intends to purchase the property, repair an existing residence at 26 Minnesota, and construct three additional homes behind the existing dwelling; the project would include repaving the alley, adding sidewalks and landscaping. Beal said he has previously done redevelopment work in the Old Southside area and that neighborhood groups had indicated support. The Old Southside Land Use Committee provided a letter supporting the concept and encouraging the Development Commission to work with Beal on the proposal.

Staff and neighborhood concerns
Planning staff (Des) recommended denial. Staff explained that the land-use map recommends commercial/industrial uses for the block where the proposal is located and said approving residential development now would create an "island" of housing between commercial uses along the corridor and an active industrial site. Staff noted infrastructure upgrades would be required (paved streets and sidewalks) and said the site configuration is inconsistent with adjacent patterning on the corridor.

Local responses
A handful of neighbors spoke at the hearing. Clem Maga (20 W. Minnesota Street) expressed support for the petitioner’s plan, saying he preferred redevelopment by a local investor to leaving the parcels vacant or under industrial use. The Old Southside Land Use Committee’s written communication also expressed support for working with the petitioner on redevelopment and infrastructure consistency.

Hearing examiner’s recommendation and next steps
After hearing the testimony and staff analysis, the hearing examiner said she would recommend approval of 2024 ZON 142; the recommendation will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Development Commission for its Feb. 5, 2025 meeting. The examiner noted that if her recommendation is not appealed within five business days, the case will appear on the MDC calendar as the examiner’s recommendation. If appealed, MDC will hear the petition with any additional public comment.

Clarifying details
- Staff recommended denial because the site is shown as commercial/industrial in the Marion County land-use map; approving residential uses between industrial and commercial parcels would create a small, isolated pocket of housing.
- The petitioner said his design conforms to the D8 development standards (he stated D8 in the presentation), and the Old Southside Land Use Committee provided a supportive letter.

The Metropolitan Development Commission will consider the examiner’s recommendation on Feb. 5, 2025; any party wishing to appeal the examiner’s recommendation must file within five business days.