MILTON — The city’s planning department received no negative feedback from property owners on potentially rezoning the Stewart Street corridor.
Almost 20 residents attended Thursday night’s public meeting at city hall, which Planning Director Randy Jorgenson hosted to address any concerns.
He gave an overview of his proposal, which would involve converting commercial-zoned properties to residential.
“I don’t think there is a downside to this,” he said. “I think this an opportunity.”
Jorgenson said the change, if approved, could allow the corridor to flourish economically by allowing additional residential opportunities for military service members training or working at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
A change in zoning could also allow many long-vacated strip malls to be turned into residential properties.
Ray Johns — a Pace Realtor, who, with his wife, Jeri, has vacant property near the corner of Stewart Street and Harvell Street — said he is in favor of the proposal.
“Absolutely, I think it would be great to have a mix … to have apartment buildings and townhouses,” Johns said.
Jorgenson plans to approach city council members about the proposal at a future council meeting. If the item receives council support, it must pass two public hearings.
And if it’s approved?
Jorgenson said the changes should take effect in six months.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Planning director to propose Stewart Street rezoning