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Jacksonville council approves first reading to rezone 2.86 acres for park expansion
Summary
The City Council approved first reading of ordinance 2026-002 to amend the comprehensive plan and zoning map for 2.86 acres on the north side of Highway 238 to special protection, a step intended to enable future park and open‑space development; the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval.
The Jacksonville City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance on Jan. 6 to redesignate roughly 2.86 acres of city‑owned land from cottage industrial/artisan district to special protection, a change staff said is intended to enable future park and greenway uses.
Planning consultant Joe Slaughter, representing the city, told the council the site is undeveloped, sits north of Highway 238 and includes Jackson Creek and steep slopes that limit development. "The comprehensive plan map would change from cottage industrial to special protection and the zoning map would change from artisan district to special protection as well," Slaughter said.
City planning staff recommended the council adopt the findings of the Planning Commission, which on Nov. 12, 2025 unanimously recommended approval after finding the proposal consistent with statewide planning goals and the city's comprehensive plan. Slaughter and staff emphasized that there is no development proposal at this time; the action changes only the plan and zoning designations to permit parks, trails and open‑space preservation.
Councilor Andrea Thompson moved to approve the first reading of ordinance 2026-002; Councilor Steve Casaleggio seconded. The motion passed by roll‑call vote with all members present voting yes; Councilor Reed was excused.
The ordinance requires a second reading by title only on Jan. 20, 2026; if ultimately adopted, it will take effect 30 days after final passage. Supporters said the change aligns with the city's objectives to protect riparian corridors and manage steep‑slope and floodplain constraints along Jackson Creek. Opponents did not appear during the public hearing on this item.
The council packet cites chapters of the Jacksonville comprehensive plan and chapters 17.108 and 10 of the development code as the regulatory framework for map amendments and zone changes. The council adopted the Planning Commission's findings and directed staff to return for the second reading on Jan. 20.
