Council denies rezoning for 459 Jefferson Street townhome project

The Newman City Council on Nov. 25 denied a rezoning request (RZ2025-07) that would have changed roughly 20.73 acres at 459 Jefferson Street from general commercial (CGN) to a higher-density multifamily zoning (RMH) to accommodate townhouse-style attached condominium units.

Planning staff told the council the applicant, Bright Sky Residential LLC, submitted a revised concept plan the day of the hearing that reduced the unit count from 140 to 132, increased the Jefferson Street front setback from 40 feet to 80 feet, and boosted off-street head-in parking from 55 to 90 spaces. Staff reported the application met seven of eight rezoning standards subject to recommended conditions, including a maximum of 132 units, a minimum 1,500 heated-square-foot requirement for attached units, and compliance with the city's tree preservation and landscape ordinance.

Applicant Steven Jones and Hamilton Stoltman, president of Bright Sky Residential, presented renderings and said the design included internal greenways, pocket parks, a clubhouse and a dog park and that the revisions were made to address concerns raised at a council work session.

Multiple residents opposed the rezoning during public comment, arguing the site would exacerbate traffic on Jefferson Street, create school-capacity pressures, and deliver housing that will be unaffordable for many local households. Derek Dalton, a nearby resident, urged council members to experience rush-hour conditions on Jefferson Street before approving denser development. Another opponent said the corridor is a longstanding "blue-collar" area and urged the council to retain commercial zoning for economic opportunity.

Council members debated whether the parcel could feasibly support commercial uses and whether the revised plan sufficiently addressed circulation and emergency access concerns. Several councilmembers referenced the planning commission's recommendation to deny the request. After deliberation, a motion to deny the rezoning passed by voice vote.

The decision means the property will remain zoned CGN unless the applicant withdraws and re-files or seeks relief through other processes. The planning commission's report and staff conditions remain in the public record for any future filing.

Next steps: The council's denial is a final action on this application; any future change would require a new application and public review.