Midland planning commission approves zone change for laundry aimed at hiring people with disabilities

The Midland Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a zone change for 2200 North Main Street that will allow a laundry facility the applicant says is designed to employ people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Staff recommended approval of the request submitted by Skyline Civil Group on behalf of property owner Judy Moreland.

Planning staff presented the request and described the property’s current O-1 office zoning and surrounding land uses. Applicant representative Steven Markham said the applicant appreciated staff’s assistance and was present to answer questions. Owner Judy Moreland told the commission the project’s goal is to provide jobs for “special needs individuals, both physically and mentally handicapped.” She said the operation will emphasize pickup and delivery rather than walk-in customers to limit neighborhood traffic.

Moreland described the employment plan as gradual: she said the business hopes in time to employ 20 to 30 people but does not expect more than six to eight employees on site at any given time, noting many prospective employees draw SSI and will work limited hours. She also said deliveries will use Main Street to avoid routing trucks through adjacent residential streets.

Commissioners moved and seconded the item and approved the zone change by recorded voice vote. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the public hearing.

The commission closed the public hearing and approved the request; the record shows a unanimous approval for the item. The commission will proceed with later administrative steps required to finalize the rezoning.