MILTON — Milton officials seek input from owners of property along Stewart Street, or State Road 87, regarding possible rezoning.
City Planner Randy Jorgenson said rezoning along the corridor would turn commercial under-used properties to residential use, which, according to Jorgenson, could economically benefit the area.
In a media release from the city’s public information office, Jorgenson said more than 15,000 vehicles daily travel along Stewart Street. He said much of the traffic consists of Naval Air Station Whiting Field personnel traveling to and from the military installation.
Jorgenson believes these commuters, consisting of flight trainees and instructors, can’t find suitable housing along the corridor. Generally, pilots in training remain in the area for a short period — one to three years — before receiving orders to move elsewhere (change to period)
Many of the current rental properties are near to full capacity, with some even having waiting lists, he said.
“We want them to live here, but area rental units are essentially occupied,” Jorgenson said. “We have vacant properties that, with modest investment on the part of the property owner, can be converted into residential dwellings and presented in a marketplace that is devoid of residential property.”
NAS Whiting Field Spokesperson Jay Cope said the installation cannot comment on this issue, but is pleased with the city’s support.
"NAS Whiting Field has a tremendous relationship with the city of Milton and we are grateful for their concern about the well-being and comfort of our service members and civilian staff,” he said.
The rezoning could also lead to further economic impact along the corridor, Jorgenson said.
“I don’t want to discount the real positive economic activities that occur on Stewart Street. We got some businesses down there that are vibrant and important to this community,” he said. “At the same time, we’ve got some form of commercialism that can be changed in a positive way for the property owner and for the community.”
As an example, the potential rezoning would address the vacant strip mall developments, which according to the press release “though popular in the past, are no longer attractive to many of today’s shoppers.”
Rick Ferrell, who co-owns the Loot Castle on Stewart Street, said he would be in favor adding more residential properties along the corridor adding it could lead to more business.
“In all honesty, more residents would be a good thing,” he said.
Jorgenson said a potential rezoning for the area would have little impact on existing businesses.
“It’s hard to identify what impact it would have, if any,” he said. “We are going to graph the tenants of this zoning district based on the expressions of the property owners. If the property owners are going to be comfortable with it, then we are going to be comfortable with it.”
The city plans to announce a second outreach meeting concerning the rezoning, in which property owners will be notified in advance through mail. Information regarding the meeting will also be posted on the city’s website, miltonfl.org.
Jorgenson said the first meeting occurred two weeks ago to favorable responses.
Now, he said, “We want to broaden the attendance and get the people engaged.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Stewart Street considered for rezoning