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Zoning commission continues request to rezone former Masonic lodge at 2115 Bell Avenue after neighborhood concerns
Summary
The commission continued a zoning change request to convert a former Masonic Lodge at 2115 Bell Avenue to neighborhood-commercial event space so the applicant can work with staff, the councilmember and neighborhood associations on use restrictions; the continuance passed 8-1.
An applicant seeking to reclassify 2115 Bell Avenue from community-facilities (a Masonic Lodge use) to E (neighborhood commercial) requested the commission's recommendation on a change that would enable the property to operate as an event venue and other commercial uses.
The presenter (who declined to give a full name in the record but identified the property and referred to Dr. Newcomb) said the property has hosted gatherings historically and that the proposal focuses on beautification, added parking and on-site security. 'We're going to have security... and more ample parking,' the presenter said, explaining plans to limit exterior activity and to manage guest egress via the rear of the property.
Commissioners and members of the public raised two central concerns: (1) changing the base zoning to E would open the site to a wide array of future uses if the property were sold, and (2) the neighborhood expressed a desire for clearer use limitations to prevent incompatible uses. Commissioners noted past practice of placing event facilities into more restricted categories or using conditional-use permits to lock in operating conditions. Commissioner Trujillo and others urged the applicant to meet with neighborhood associations and the councilmember to tailor a proposal that limits undesirable future uses.
Given those concerns, Commissioner Trujillo moved to continue the case to the next monthly meeting so the applicant could work with staff and neighborhood groups; Commissioner Welch seconded. The motion for continuance passed 8-1. Staff and several commissioners clarified that a continuance would allow the applicant to return with a narrower request, possibly a conditional-use plan or an alternate base zoning, prior to the City Council hearing schedule.
The continuance keeps the matter active on the commission calendar; City Council review will follow after whatever revised recommendation the commission adopts.
