Commission reviews Meadows Baptist zoning requests; rezoning approved for one item, second tabled to Feb. 2

Staff read two related agenda items involving Meadows Baptist Church: a rezoning of approximately 14.6 acres and a preliminary plat/rezoning of a 27.3-acre site that would include single-family lots and a religious facility. Staff said the applicant requested tabling both items to the Feb. 2 meeting to refine the concept plan after meeting with nearby property owners.

During the public hearing, Philip Langley said, "As of today, there's 99 residents opposed, 6 for this," and said he had recently bought property and did not receive mailed notice. John Marlowe, president of the Stony Hollow Residents Association, said his membership is concerned that increased density could overload Hickey Elementary and increase traffic near Pesch High School. John Jacobson told the commission that the proposed SF-6/SF-7 density "does not fit this area" and urged larger lots and lower density.

Commissioners asked staff whether the school district would provide a letter about impacts to Hickey Elementary; staff said they expected a response from the school board. Commissioners also asked whether a traffic-impact study was required; staff said a formal TIA was not required for this development but that staff would include a traffic-impact section in the staff report.

After testimony and discussion, the commission took two separate actions: it approved Agenda Item 2A as recommended by staff (vote 8-0) and moved to table Agenda Item 2B to the Feb. 2, 2026 commission meeting so the applicant could continue outreach and refine the concept plan. Commissioners noted continuing neighborhood concerns and said staff will provide updated response information when the item returns.