Council approves conditional rezoning to convert former St. James church into cafe and commissary

Ferndale City Council voted to approve a conditional rezoning for 241 Pearson Street that will allow the applicant to repurpose the former St. James Church into a cafe, small event space and a commissary kitchen under a phased plan and recorded conditions.

Planning staff presented the proposal and said the project will proceed in three phases: phase 1 is conversion of the church interior to a cafe within 12 months; phase 2 is demolition of the rectory and creation of a parking lot (25 spaces) within 18 months; phase 3 is build‑out of the commissary kitchen and event space. Staff said the conditional rezoning limits permitted uses on the parcel to the uses proposed and that, if the project does not proceed within two years, the property will revert to R‑2 residential zoning.

Planning staff (Ross) said site plan details — utilities, traffic and parking — will be reviewed by the planning commission when presented and that the conditional rezoning will be recorded with the county register of deeds. Council members asked about traffic, potential shared parking and whether the conditions run with the land; staff confirmed the conditions will be recorded and will apply even if ownership changes. The motion to approve the conditional rezoning passed on a roll call vote.

Next steps: site‑plan review and utility, traffic and parking studies will be completed as required by staff and planning commission; the recorded conditions will be enforced as part of the rezoning.