Planning commission recommends approval of Lakeview Fifth preliminary plat and limited rezone

The Minot Planning Commission recommended approval Tuesday of the Lakeview Fifth preliminary plat and a zoning map amendment that would reclassify part of an R-3B multiple-residence parcel to C-1 neighborhood commercial.

City staff told commissioners the proposal reconfigures existing lot lines to consolidate commercial uses on one lot and residential uses on a separate lot, including the incorporation of a vacated alley into Lot 1. Staff said the subject property is shown as general commercial and suburban residential on the future land-use map and recommended the commission adopt staff findings and forward the rezone and plat to City Council without conditions.

Matt Watney, representing owner 5 Star Holdings, told the commission the replat is intended to "clean up" the parcel and make it practical to refurbish aging commercial buildings. "Right now, it's reducing from five lots down to two lots, one with the residential, one with the commercial," Watney said, noting the duplex on the site was remodeled about five years ago and that the owners have invested about $90,000 in the property over the past six to seven years.

Commissioners voted to recommend approval based on staff findings. Vice Chair Bauman moved to approve and Commissioner Kibler seconded; a roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from the commissioners present and the motion carried.

The matter will proceed to the City Council for final action; staff recommended forwarding the commission's recommendation without conditions.