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Commission denies request to add professional and medical offices to Old Town 1st-floor uses
Summary
The commission voted 5–1 to deny an owner’s request to add professional and medical office uses to a 2,300 sq ft first-floor space at 767 West Main, citing the city’s goal to preserve retail and restaurant activity in Old Town evenings and weekends.
The Planning & Zoning Commission denied an owner’s request to amend the PD-250 detailed site plan for 767 West Main that would have allowed professional or medical office uses on the first floor in addition to retail and restaurant.
Staff position and applicant: Matt Steer explained the property was conceptually intended for first‑floor retail/restaurant to activate Old Town Main Street at night and on weekends; staff recommended denial. Property owner Diana Ahmad said one storefront (2,300 sq ft, under 25% of the building) has been vacant for more than two years despite active marketing, and she requested limited flexibility to lease to low‑intensity professional or medical tenants to reduce prolonged vacancy and financial hardship.
Commission action: After an executive‑session legal consultation and public comment, commissioners voted 5–1 to deny the requested addition of professional and medical office uses. Commissioners who supported denial said the change would reduce potential evening and weekend activity that retail and restaurants provide for Old Town.
