Planning commission recommends rezoning for 1301 South Marshall Road to allow commercial redevelopment

The Middletown Planning Commission voted Jan. 14 to recommend rezoning two parcels at 1301 South Marshall Road from R-4P planned development to B-2 community business, a step staff said would allow the property to be redeveloped for commercial uses.

Claire Vinegar, city planning staff, told the commission the parcels total about 5.4 acres and include a 20,430-square-foot structure built in 1974 that has historically housed a private club. Vinegar said the request aligns with the comprehensive plan’s neighborhood mixed-use designation and the city’s Crossroads Development Opportunity Area but that staff offered no formal recommendation, noting the map amendment review criteria must still be considered.

Rob Sweet, speaking for applicant Jonathan Woker and the development team, said Casto has a contract to purchase the property and intends to bring "new potential commercial users into the city." "We feel this is consistent with the land use map," Sweet said, and added the applicant would complete required traffic studies and other permitting before final development.

During deliberation commissioners said the request appears consistent with surrounding commercial development and transportation access. A motion to approve the rezoning was seconded and carried by the commissioners present. The approval means the rezoning will proceed to City Council for final action.

The commission recorded affirmative votes from the commissioners present; one member, Will Parsons, was excused from the meeting.