As expected, Walker Properties has filed an application for a rezoning to allow Mirror Twin Brewing to expand into a building across National Avenue from the popular brewpub.
Less expected, Walker Properties is seeking to rezone only the properties that would be directly affected by Mirror Twin’s expansion.
The rezoning application is for 720-742 and 737 National Avenue. If the Planning Commission approves, these properties would be rezoned from B-4 (wholesale and warehouse) to I-1 (light industry.)
The rest of Walker Properties adaptive reuse and redevelopment plan – on Walton, North Ashland and the end of Given – would remain B-4, if the zoning application is approved. Also, fewer homes on Aurora would abut an industrial zone than if the whole area were rezoned.
This proposal comes as a bit of a surprise because the planning staff had recommended rezoning all the Walker properties from business to light industry. However, the Planning Commission sometimes overrules its staff, especially when neighbors support a developer’s plan.
The Walkers also plan to seek conditional zoning, which would exclude some otherwise permissible I-1 uses that are deemed a bad fit for our neighborhood. The conditional zoning document has not yet been filed, and Chad Walker has expressed an eagerness to include the neighborhood’s wishes in the conditional zoning.
The rezoning application and related documents are available on the LFUCG Accela web site. You have to create an account, but it’s not hard.
https://aca-prod.accela.com/LEXKY/Default.aspx
The rezoning is on the agenda for the MNA board tonight at 7 p.m. at 250 Walton Ave., Suite 150. All neighbors are welcome.
The Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the rezoning at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in council chambers, second floor, 200 East Main Street. (Click here to download a PDF of the site plan shown above.)