Planning commission approves rezoning for medical and professional offices at 2814 Memorial Boulevard

The Springfield Municipal Regional Planning Commission voted unanimously Nov. 6 to rezone about 2.15 acres at 2814 Memorial Boulevard from Commercial General to Commercial Services to allow medical and professional offices.

Staff planner Miss Durham told commissioners the parcel sits along one of Springfield’s main commercial corridors and that the requested change “aligns with the adopted comprehensive plan for growth,” noting that utilities and infrastructure are already in place. "Staff recommends approval," she said.

Property owner Michael Crowley, who said he purchased the site for an office before acquiring the Woollen Mills property, told the commission the building has had a facelift and could suit medical users, including dentists. "We're hoping to rezone it to the CS," Crowley said.

Commissioners moved and seconded the item and then took a roll call vote. Briggs, Thomas, Boyd, Bibb, Baggett, Townsend, Gray and Moreland voted yes; the motion passed with eight affirmative votes.

The rezoning changes the parcel’s allowed uses from a broader commercial classification to one oriented toward service and professional offices, a shift city staff said would encourage continued commercial investment along the corridor. No conditions or contingencies were announced at the hearing.

Next steps: the decision will be reflected in the city zoning map and, as typical, administrative staff will incorporate the map update into official records and inform applicants about permit procedures.