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Escambia Planning Board approves commercial zoning for West Oakville/Kenmore parcels
Summary
The Planning Board voted Dec. 2 to approve an amended rezoning request to commercial for parcels along West Oakville and Kenmore Road (case Z2025-10) after the applicant reduced an initial request for heavy commercial/light industrial; nearby residents voiced concerns about traffic, noise and property values.
The Escambia County Planning Board voted Dec. 2 to approve an amended rezoning to commercial for parcels on West Oakville Road and Kenmore Road (case Z2025‑10), after the applicant withdrew an initial request for heavy commercial/light industrial zoning.
The board heard from applicant Meredith Bush, agent for owner Roy Lister and 4 Star Drywall Inc., who said she met with county planning staff and amended the request from HCLI to commercial. Staff and the applicant said commercial is more consistent with the site's Mixed Use Urban future land use and functions as a transitional zoning category between high‑density mixed use and heavier commercial uses.
Neighbors urged the board to reject increased intensity. Melissa Johnson of 111 Kenmore Road said she opposed the rezoning because of truck traffic, noise and fears it could lower property values. Beverly Benz of Arctic Street and Mika Johnson of Tina Avenue also opposed higher intensity uses, citing traffic congestion, school bus safety and the neighborhood's largely older population.
Staff and a board member discussed permitted uses under commercial zoning; staff and counsel said commercial zoning can impose performance standards — including interior operations, buffering and limits on outdoor storage — that the heavier HCLI district would not. Staff noted, however, that commercial can still allow more intense uses than the existing HDMU designation and that compatibility remains a consideration.
After hearing staff findings that commercial zoning would be consistent with comprehensive plan policies encouraging infill and would serve as a transition between adjoining districts, Board Member (S5) moved to approve zoning to commercial. The motion was seconded and carried; the transcript records the motion as approved but does not include a roll‑call tally.
The board's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners, which makes the final decision. The hearing record includes the applicant's amended request and staff's findings entered into evidence.
