Planning and Zoning Commission backs revised River Park replat and recommends rezone to council, 4-2

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a revised plat for lots in the River Park addition and recommended the rezone of the same area to City Council by a 4-2 vote on a motion Wednesday.

The commission approved the plat after a staff response and discussion about access, fire apparatus turning space and setbacks; later, after a lengthy public discussion with the developer, the commission voted to recommend the rezone to the City Council by roll call: Megan — Aye; Brian — Nay; Brooks — Aye; Rob — Nay; Alyssa — Aye; Michael — Aye (4–2).

The recommendation followed a developer revision presented by Jordan Heffner of VanBuskirk Companies of Sioux Falls and developer representative Steve Van Buskirk. Heffner said the developer “revised both the residential and the commercial parcels, putting all 4 of the residential parcels together, to show a commercial driveway on both sides” and eliminated a center driveway that previously ran between the four residential parcels.

Commissioners and staff raised safety and compatibility concerns. One commissioner said the parcel “is an open parking lot” now but warned approving a plat without verifying setbacks could place existing structures in violation of rear or…