Kevin Cruz asks Buckner aldermen to rezone lot for commercial front, multifamily rear

Kevin Cruz, who identified himself as the founder of Crus Mon, told the Buckner Board of Aldermen during a public hearing that he and his partners bought a parcel near a local cemetery and would like the front half rezoned for commercial use and the rear half to allow multi-family housing.

Cruz said the lot is roughly 200 feet deep and about 149 feet wide and that architects have prepared preliminary drawings. “We bought some property across cemetery and we wanted to put … the front half zone, you know, commercial,” Cruz said, adding that the back half could accommodate a duplex or other multi-family use if setbacks and parking requirements allow.

Board members and residents repeatedly told Cruz they would need to see a final plat and confirmation of setbacks before the board could approve any split. The chair said the county must formally process any lot split and that the aldermen would want the exact configuration before voting. One alderman with five-plus years on the board said past multi-family developments had caused problems and urged caution.

Neighbors raised concerns about access and future owners, asking that any residential parcel have a separate driveway so residents would not be forced to drive through a commercial parking area. Cruz said the family operation wants flexibility and will return with finalized plans after architecture and county platting steps are completed.

After public testimony the board voted to close the hearing; the aldermen did not vote on the rezoning request itself. The applicant indicated he will pursue updated plans and meet setback and parking requirements before the board considers an ordinance or formal action.

What happens next: the applicant will work with an architect and county staff to prepare a plat showing setbacks and access; the board asked staff to verify required offsets and bring a finalized proposal back for formal consideration.