Homewood Planning Commission unanimously recommends rezoning Montgomery Street parcels for Provision Studios with parking, site‑plan and use restrictions

Homewood — The Homewood Planning Commission on April 7 recommended that the City Council rezone two adjacent parcels at 2773 and 2777 Montgomery Street from C-2 (neighborhood shopping) to C-4 (central business) to allow Provision Studios to expand into a combined space, approving the measure unanimously with conditions.

The recommendation, filed as RZ 26-04-01, was presented to the commission by applicant Christine Thornton. Thornton told the commission the rezoning would permit Provision Studios to relocate into a larger consolidated building because fitness uses are not allowed in the current C-2 district.

The change matters locally because it would allow a commercial fitness use on a block that commissioners and neighbors said already has multiple gyms and limited on‑street parking. Greg Baird, owner of the adjacent building at 2767 Montgomery Street, told the commission he was concerned about overflow parking and loud music from fitness operators, saying, “I don't want a lot of loud music” and that customers sometimes park in driveways.

Provision owner Margaret Burden responded after the public comment period, saying the submitted site plan includes 21 on‑site parking spaces and that the studio’s model is appointment based rather than casual drop‑in. She described planned renovations intended to reduce noise, saying the work will include “very intense interior insulation, spray foam, the walls, the roofs, and then between the classrooms we're going to have double‑stud sound walls” to address sound concerns.

The applicant and owner also volunteered a set of proffers limiting future uses on the rezoned parcel. The list of excluded uses recorded in the hearing includes fast‑food drive‑thrus, gas stations, package liquor stores, vape and tobacco shops, auto parts stores and theaters. An individual who identified himself as Jared Wallace initially expressed hesitation about excluding an auto parts store but after discussion said the parties had agreed to the list.

Commissioners made the recommendation subject to three conditions: (1) the exclusion list and other proffers agreed on the record; (2) adherence to the site plan and materials submitted with the rezoning application (including the parking layout); and (3) consolidation of the two parcels into a single lot prior to the zoning taking effect. Staff and commissioners discussed how the site‑plan condition would be enforced and whether minor permitting adjustments would be allowed; applicants agreed the project will provide the 21 spaces shown on the plan.

A motion to recommend approval, recorded in the minutes as moved by Mr. Stamps and seconded by Mr. Raspinto, passed unanimously. The vote was recorded as yes by Mr. Stamps, Ms. Childs, Mr. Sims, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Raspinto, Mr. Harwell and Mr. Roberts. The commission’s positive recommendation sends RZ 26-04-01 to the Homewood City Council for final action.

No statutory citations were referenced during the hearing. The commission adjourned following the vote.