Commission tables city-initiated Harris‑Kemper rezoning after residents and owners raise questions

The St. Joseph Planning Commission voted to table a city-initiated proposal to rezone multiple properties in the Harris‑Kemper neighborhood from C-3 commercial to R-2 two-family residential so staff can pursue additional outreach and analysis.

Staff said the rezoning would align zoning with the future land use plan and enable infill housing; existing commercial uses would be allowed to continue as legal nonconforming uses if they qualify. Kim Schutte, the city’s historic preservation planner and a Harris‑Kemper resident, spoke in support, saying the neighborhood historically mixed residential and commercial uses and that the rezoning fits the area’s character.

Several property and business owners spoke against a blanket conversion, saying they had purchased property as commercial and paid a premium. Scott Roderick and Larry Cadwalder asked what would change if the zoning reverted, how it would affect existing businesses and whether some blocks should remain commercial. Commissioners recommended targeted outreach, further analysis of nonconforming‑use rules and possible modifications to the proposal.

A motion to table the item for further engagement and potential modification passed; the record shows commissioners Pat Lilly, Tom Richmond, Brett Hausman and Bill Cauldre voting in favor. Staff said the Planning Commission may modify the proposal and encouraged applicants and owners to meet with staff to explore options during the table period.

The commission did not adopt a final rezoning; the item will return after staff completes outreach and provides additional detail about specific blocks and the effects on existing commercial operations.