Planning Commission recommends rezoning of two village-owned properties, including former ambulance garage

The Village of Sparta Planning Commission voted to recommend adoption of Ordinance 2602, a zoning map amendment that would reclassify two village-owned parcels — the former ambulance storage building and a vacant lot at Elm and Gardner — from RM to B, after a staff presentation and brief public comment.

A village staff member told the commission that the draft ordinance would update section 82-152 of the Village of Sparta Code of Ordinances to reflect historic, largely business-related uses before the parcels are put up for sale. "We currently use [the ambulance garage] for storage for the DDA," the staff member said, and added that the village mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet as required by law.

Neighbor Tabitha Case, who identified herself as living at 186 Washington directly across from the former ambulance garage, urged caution. "I would just be concerned about putting a business in there. Three sides of that building are currently occupied by residential property," Case said, and asked whether neighbors would have further input on what uses could locate there. A staff member responded that the B district is broad and that any change of use that increases parking demand would be subject to site-plan review and applicable parking rules.

Commission discussion focused on flexibility and historic use. Commissioners noted that rezoning to B would allow a range of low-impact business or residential options and that the village could revisit zoning if a future site plan showed an incompatible use. During the discussion a planning member mentioned a minimum lot-size threshold for B zoning of roughly 25,000 square feet but described that figure as an off-the-cuff recollection.

Commissioner Buffalo moved and Commissioner Carlstrom supported a motion to recommend adoption of Ordinance 2602 to the Village Council. The commission recorded four votes in favor, zero opposed, and one abstention; the abstention was announced by a commissioner who said they had a property interest. The motion carried 4-0-1.

Staff said the village expects the properties to be positioned for sale and that the eventual uses will depend on offers and site-plan approvals; staff estimated offers could arrive in about six weeks. The commission closed the public hearing at 6:36 p.m. and adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m.

The recommendation now goes to the Village Council for final consideration; staff and commissioners said any proposed change of use would still require compliance with site-plan and parking standards before a business could operate on the parcels.