Zoning Commission approves proposed map change for Florida and Q Street LLC despite commissioners' misgivings

The Zoning Commission voted 3-2 to take proposed action on a map amendment for Florida and Q Street LLC (case 25-15, square 3100, lot 48) after an extended discussion in which commissioners repeatedly emphasized community frustration with the property owner and the commission's narrow role.

Staff told the commission that the record includes post-hearing submissions from the applicant, ANC materials, and an Office of Planning response regarding eminent domain (exhibit 32). Several commissioners said they had asked whether the city planned to use eminent domain; one commissioner reported that the city has no immediate plan or funding to acquire the property by eminent domain. Commissioner Memorial (speaking at length) described a long history of broken promises and stressed that code enforcement and community engagement will be necessary if the property is to be developed successfully.

Vice Chair Miller emphasized that the proposed map change (discussed in the meeting as a rezoning from MU4 to MU7B) is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the policy map designations for medium-density residential and moderate-density commercial uses. He also acknowledged that rezoning is likely to increase the site's value and that community members fear it would reward the current owner for long inaction.

Other commissioners shared similar tensions. Commissioner Stum said he had 'pause' given the developer’s long lack of progress; Commissioner Imore urged the panel to focus on the limited legal question of zoning consistency rather than personalities. Chair Anthony Hood described his own frustration, saying 'I just gave up today' when trying to parse the record, but also said he would vote in favor if the votes were present while recording his protest by declining to move or second the motion.

A motion to take proposed action was moved and seconded; during roll call Vice Chair Miller briefly disconnected and then rejoined to record a 'no' vote intended to reflect the commission’s pause about the case. Staff recorded the vote as 3 to 2 to 0 to approve proposed action. The transcript contains one inconsistent case-number reference from staff when announcing the recorded outcome; the motion in the record pertains to case 25-15.

Commissioners asked the owner and project representatives to continue to engage with the ANC and the community. The commission set the item as proposed action and will proceed with the published schedule for further processing of the map amendment.