Hillsdale Planning Commission approves rezoning, special conditional use and CIP; advances ordinance and bylaw reviews

The Hillsdale City Planning Commission on Feb. 18 approved several land-use and administrative items, including a rezoning for 120 S. Broad St., a special conditional use for 151 S. West St., and the Capital Improvement Plan for 2026–2032.

The consent agenda — the meeting agenda and the Jan. 21, 2026 minutes — was approved at the start of the meeting after roll call indicated all commissioners present. Commissioner Morrissey moved to approve the consent agenda and Commissioner Kniffin seconded; the motion passed with all in favor.

On the first public hearing item, the Commission approved a rezoning request for 120 S. Broad St.; there was no public comment. Commissioner Morrissey moved for approval and Commissioner Kniffin seconded; the motion carried with all in favor.

The special conditional use application for 151 S. West St. drew two supportive public remarks. Bob Flynn spoke in favor and asked that the business be “good neighbors” to nearby residents; the applicant’s husband also spoke and said parking would not be an issue. Commissioner Winter moved to approve the special conditional use, Commissioner Shelley seconded, and the Commission voted 'All in favor.'

Commissioners reviewed Draft 2 of the 2025 Annual Review and generally endorsed the document. Commissioner Laycock requested language edits to add verbs to the 2026 goals to make them more action-oriented; Laycock said he would return with revised wording.

The Commission agreed to prioritize a set of problematic ordinances identified by Olivia and city staff for work in 2026, deferring a comprehensive multi-year review of Article 36 until 2027. During discussion of Section 36-596(e), Commissioner Coykendall suggested adding the phrase "and trailers"; the Commission agreed to package ordinance changes together and forward them to the City Council near the end of the calendar year.

On bylaws, commissioners debated proposed attendance language put forward by Commissioner Laycock that would give the Chair more discretion to determine whether absences are excused. Laycock committed to revisiting the proposed wording. Commissioners also accepted changes proposed by Zoning Administrator Smith to the order of business to better match current practice; those changes will be included with other bylaw amendments.

Commissioner Winter expressed frustration that approval of the Capital Improvement Plan falls to the Planning Commission despite the Commission's lack of direct control over the City budget. Winter moved to approve the CIP 2026–2032 and Commissioner Morrissey seconded; the motion passed with all in favor.

During commissioners' comments, Laycock said he will be absent for the March meeting and that Commissioner Kniffin will preside in his absence. A member of the public asked a vague question about rezoning and variances and was referred to city staff for follow-up.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (agenda and Jan. 21, 2026 minutes): Moved by Commissioner Morrissey; seconded by Commissioner Kniffin; outcome: approved (recorded as 'All in favor'). - Rezoning — 120 S. Broad St.: Moved by Commissioner Morrissey; seconded by Commissioner Kniffin; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Special Conditional Use — 151 S. West St.: Public support noted (Bob Flynn; applicant's husband). Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Winter; seconded by Commissioner Shelley; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Capital Improvement Plan 2026–2032: Motion to approve moved by Commissioner Winter; seconded by Commissioner Morrissey; outcome: approved (all in favor).

The Commission set the next meeting for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned following public comment.