Planning commission recommends rezoning 425 Center to allow coffeehouse and community space

The Goodland Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Commission rezone 425 Center (the former First Baptist Church) from R1 residential to downtown mixed-use (DMU), advancing an applicant’s plan to operate a coffeehouse and community gathering space there.

Applicant Brian R., who said he has been operating delivery-only coffee service while awaiting the zoning decision, told the commission he intends a phased renovation: a small counter and pickup service first, then a full coffeehouse with book clubs and occasional music nights once financing allows. “We would love to make that building once again be a community building,” Brian R. said, describing community interest after a recent fair where the applicants served coffee.

Planning staff told commissioners the rezoning request fits many immediate criteria: the building has existing water, sewer and electric taps and the roads are developed, and staff reported mostly positive neighbor responses. “There’s adequate off-street parking as they have the pull-through driveway,” a staff presenter said, noting that the property’s utilities and access reduce immediate infrastructure concerns.

Staff also cautioned the commission about the broader implications of changing the zoning designation. The downtown mixed-use district permits a wider range of uses and a taller maximum building height (staff contrasted the current 35-foot residential standard with a 75-foot allowance in DMU), which could enable future owners to pursue more intensive commercial uses. The planner said that while a future site plan review would allow the commission to scrutinize specific proposals, rezoning broadens the set of allowed uses on the lot.

Commissioners debated whether to proceed with a recommendation despite two absent members; several said the present quorum could act and that project-specific site-plan approvals would provide later checks on potentially incompatible development. A motion to recommend approval of the rezoning (R1→DMU for 425 Center) was moved and seconded and passed with all members present voting in favor. The commission will forward a written recommendation and supporting findings to the City Commission, which has final authority to adopt an ordinance changing the zoning.

The Planning Commission discussion emphasized supporting small local businesses and community gathering places while acknowledging long-term trade-offs tied to broader district allowances. The commission did not set a firm date for the City Commission’s final vote in the record; staff indicated the item will appear on the City Commission agenda and that an ordinance would be required to effect the change.

Next steps: staff will prepare the written summary and packet for the City Commission. If the City Commission approves the ordinance, the DMU designation will apply and the property owner can pursue permit and site-plan approvals required for any building or use changes.