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Council approves development plan for Common Ground Free Store at 153 East Winter Street
Summary
The council approved a development-plan resolution allowing Common Ground Free Store to construct a two-story building at 153 East Winter Street in the historic district, subject to conditions. The applicant and several residents spoke in support; one councilmember abstained from the vote.
City Council approved Resolution 25‑01 on Tuesday to grant development-plan approval for a 0.42-acre site at 153 East Winter Street for the Common Ground Free Store.
The resolution allows the construction of a two-story building with first-floor retail/donation areas for the free store and second-floor offices, with potential for leasable office space. The site, at the northeast corner of Annette and Winter streets, is within the city’s historic district. Council packet materials and staff said the property received a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission earlier in January and was rezoned to a planned unit development (PUD) in August 2024 to accommodate setbacks and parking consistent with surrounding historic properties.
Staff recommended approval with 13 conditions; the applicant told council she had nothing to add to staff’s presentation. The plan shows 15 on-site parking spaces and a shared-parking agreement with nearby businesses (AutoZone and the Eagles) intended to reserve on-site spaces for customers while employees use shared spaces.
Public support for the project came from several residents. Mark Butler of Western Dreamer Drive and Colin Campbell of Brittany Drive thanked the council and the applicant; Scott McVicar of Ashburn Drive described donating to and volunteering with the organization. Sharon Greiner, the applicant, was present and answered council’s questions.
Council moved and seconded the resolution (motion by Vice Mayor Schaffer; second by Councilmember Fraser). Councilmember Fraser told the chamber she would abstain from the vote because she was involved in the property closing; the roll call shows five votes in favor and one abstention. The resolution passed.
Next steps: With the resolution of services approved, the applicant may proceed with required development-plan details and building permits subject to the resolution’s conditions and any further PUD amendments required by staff.
