Committee approves rezoning to legalize auto‑repair operation at Union Avenue/Comerford property

The Providence Committee on Ordinance voted to approve a zoning map amendment to reclassify two adjacent lots on Union Avenue and Comerford from C2 to C3, allowing vehicle‑repair uses that are currently not permitted under the C2 district.

Bob Azar of the Department of Planning and Development told the committee the two parcels function as a single property and currently host an auto‑repair business that was converted without the matching zoning. "That the zoning did not allow for that use," Azar said, explaining that the change to C3 would bring the property into compliance. The City Plan Commission reviewed the request and recommended approval with conditions intended to bring the site into full conformance, including improved landscaping and addressing on‑site tire storage.

Magali Brown, who said she and her husband own Elmo Tires, testified in support of the rezoning. "I am the owner... we have been trying to comply with all the regulations," Brown told the committee, adding that most required fixes have been completed and that rezoning is needed before the site can obtain a zoning certificate.

After the public hearing, the committee closed the record and approved the ordinance as amended (motion by Councilwoman Bogart; second by Councilwoman Peterson). The vote was taken by voice and announced as ‘‘the ayes have it.’’

With the ordinance approved, staff and the property owner must complete the site work required to obtain formal zoning certification and any permits tied to the change. The record contains letters from the City Plan Commission and neighborhood supporters entered into the file.