The Town of St. John council voted Dec. 29 to approve Ordinance 18-77, rezoning a 7.5-acre property known locally as the Lending Parcel at 10911 West 108th Avenue for commercial development. The measure passed 4-0 on the council's motion on second reading.

The change came despite a prior unfavorable recommendation from the Plan Commission and a public comment from nearby property owner Dale Lentine, who said the parcel currently supports a farm stand residents value. "We'd like to see it remain, and that's why we're moving forward with trying to turn it commercial," Lentine told the council, describing the property's purchase decision and the community use of the farm stand.

Town Manager Billy told the council the parcel is surrounded by commercial property to the east and west and that the rezone aligns with the town's comprehensive plan. The manager noted the change was discussed at the Plan Commission and raised jurisdictional and plan-consistency points during the council's consideration.

The ordinance action followed standard procedure: the council opened the hearing, confirmed proof of publication and then took a motion. The motion carried without recorded dissent.

The council approved other land-use items during the meeting (including Ordinances 18-81 and 18-82) and staff indicated plans to work with developers on required infrastructure tie-ins associated with related projects. No additional conditions tied specifically to the Lending Parcel rezoning were stated at the meeting.

The council's formal adoption of Ordinance 18-77 means the town will proceed with the zoning map amendment; any subsequent development proposals for the parcel will be subject to building-permit review and any other required local approvals.