Board recommends rezoning for River Street Church property to allow parking lot

Staff presented a rezone application for property associated with River Street Church, asking to change parcels (including 524) from single-family residential to neighborhood shopping district so the church can expand parking. Staff said notices were mailed, published and signs posted; two responses in the packet were recorded as in favor and one additional favorable response was noted outside the packet.

The applicant (represented in staff materials) holds a contract to purchase 524 contingent on approval of the rezone. Staff said the church already occupies portions of the area that are zoned R-2 and that the proposed rezoning would align zoning on the north part of the block while allowing the south parcel (524) to become a parking lot in the future. One nearby property owner raised a concern that the legal description implied an alley vacation; staff explained the alley is not being vacated and that the change would not alter access for the owner.

A board member noted concern about setting a precedent for varying zoning boundaries, but staff said this parcel is an appropriate place for the adjustment. A motion to recommend approval of the rezone was moved and seconded, and the board carried the motion by voice vote.

The recommendation will move forward to the formal zoning amendment process as required by local ordinance.