Commission approves rezoning of two Park Place lots to middle housing

The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request to rezone two adjacent 0.25-acre lots at 1612 Park Place A and B from General Suburban to Middle Housing during its regular meeting.

Planner Garrett Seagraves told the commission the properties are currently developed with single-family homes and that the request meets the city's rezoning criteria and is consistent with the comprehensive plan. "This evening's request is to rezone the quarter acre lots shown on this slide at 1612 Park Place A and B, and they are currently developed as single family homes," Seagraves said. He noted the request will be heard by City Council on November 13.

The applicant's agent, Glenn Jones of J4 Engineering, said the existing houses are four-bedroom, four-bath units being used as student housing and that there is no immediate development proposal beyond the rezoning. "The current houses, 2 houses there are 4 bedroom, 4 bath. So they're student housing now," Jones said.

A neighbor, Cliff Gross of 1632 A, testified during the public hearing that he was concerned the rezoning might allow denser forms of housing. "Is it going to be, like, small apartment housing? ... Is it gonna be like a mini high rise or where we're going with this?" Gross asked. Seagraves and commissioners clarified that middle housing in this context allows duplexes, single-family and townhouses and does not permit multifamily apartment buildings.

Commission discussion centered on whether the request constituted spot zoning. Staff said the rezoning follows the comprehensive plan and that staff had not received objections; parking requirements are met under current conditions. One commissioner said the request brings the zoning into alignment with surrounding uses and moved to approve. The motion passed on a voice vote; no opposition was recorded.

The commission noted the rezoning will proceed to the City Council for final action at the November 13 meeting.