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Commission declines rezoning for 1515 12th Avenue after neighbors warn against liquor outlet near school
Summary
A bid to rezone 1515 12th Avenue from light industrial to general commercial—pursued in part after a package-store liquor-license application—was denied after commissioners and neighbors raised concerns about proximity to residences and Central High School and uncertainty about the applicant’s future uses.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 17 rejected a petition (Z25-25) to rezone roughly 0.2 acres at 1515 12th Avenue from IL (light industrial) to GC (general commercial). Staff told the commission the rezoning request was submitted after the property owner applied to the city for a package-store liquor license, prompting the rezoning consideration.
Sam Shoja, an engineer representing the owner, said the property had been improved for retail and that the owner wished to restore the site to a commercial classification to preserve flexibility for future retail uses. Shoja said the owner is not currently pursuing light-industrial activities and asked the commission to return the zoning to commercial.
Neighbors at the meeting voiced opposition. Jane Burrows, who lives nearby and represents adjacent property owners, said the site is “too close to Central High School” and warned that adding another outlet to sell liquor in an area with student housing would be a negative influence. Commissioners repeatedly asked whether the applicant intended to seek a liquor-license variance; staff reminded the commission that even if rezoned, a package-store liquor license would still require board-of-adjustment review and a separate city-council liquor-license decision due to proximity to residential zoning.
Members also discussed whether returning the site to GC could open the property to other uses that might be incompatible with the neighborhood if the convenience-store business failed. After discussion and public comment, the commission voted against the rezoning and did not forward a favorable recommendation.
What happens next: The property remains subject to its current zoning and the owner can continue operating uses permitted under IL. If the owner returns seeking additional approvals (for example a variance to allow a package-store liquor license), the commission and council would evaluate those requests separately.
