The Graceville Planning Commission met Tuesday, May 12, to consider a request to rezone property along State Road 77 for a proposed McDonald’s restaurant development, with members ultimately moving the request forward to the Graceville City Commission for final consideration.
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before Planning Commission Chairman Arthur Obar called for approval of the agenda. The agenda was approved unanimously following a motion by Chris Jernigan and a second by Kim Vance.
During the meeting, Graceville City Manager Michelle Watkins explained that the request involved rezoning three parcels located south of Subway on State Road 77 from residential to commercial use. Watkins identified the parcels as 5412 Brown Street, 5415 Brown Street, and 5414 Cotton Street.
Watkins told the board that the properties had been properly advertised and posted for public notice and that city officials had reviewed the submitted information and surrounding land uses prior to bringing the request before the Planning Commission.
According to Watkins, the surrounding area already contains a significant amount of commercial property, making the requested zoning change compatible with the existing development pattern in that section of the city.
“The present land capability with the surrounding land uses would allow us to take it to commercial,” Watkins said during the meeting. “We have commercial pretty much all around these particular parcels of property.”
Watkins also explained that the three parcels together would provide enough space to meet required setbacks and other development standards if the properties are combined as planned. However, she noted there was one condition connected to the request. If the land acquisition does not move forward as anticipated, the property owner requested the land remain residential at this time.
Planning Commission member Logan Chappell announced he would recuse himself from participation in the discussion due to a relationship with one of the property owners. Chappell stated he had filed the necessary paperwork with the city manager prior to the meeting.
Graceville’s previous City Attorney Frank Bondurant was also present as well as Graceville’s new City Attorney Nate Nolin, along with representatives connected to the proposed project and development planning.
Discussion during the meeting centered on whether the rezoning request complied with the city’s land use regulations and whether the proposed commercial designation was appropriate for the location. Watkins stated the request was fully in compliance with the city’s land use code and commercial zoning requirements.
Following consideration by the Planning Commission, the matter was later brought before the Graceville City Commission during its Regular City Commission Meeting held the same evening on May 12. The City Commission approved the rezoning request, allowing the project to move forward for the proposed McDonald’s development site.
