In a recent government meeting held on August 20th, officials discussed a significant application for rezoning a 4.2-acre property located at 1110 East Lizzie Street. The applicant, Tommy Dean, is seeking to change the zoning designation from I1, classified as white industrial, to TR, or transitional residential. This change would facilitate the construction of townhomes on the site.

Currently, the I1 zoning allows for up to 90% impervious surface coverage with a minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet. If the property is rezoned to TR, the impervious surface limit would be reduced to 60%, and the minimum lot size would decrease to 8,000 square feet. The property meets the necessary requirements for multifamily development, as outlined in the 2022 ordinance amendment regarding multifamily housing.

The 2040 Selma Comprehensive Land Use Plan supports this rezoning, identifying the area as suitable for high-density residential development, which includes townhomes and apartments. The proposed site is in proximity to existing high-density neighborhoods, indicating a strategic alignment with the town's growth plans.

However, the property also contains a portion that falls within a floodplain, which is crucial for maintaining water quality and providing natural habitats. The applicant has acknowledged this concern and has stated that no structures will be built within the floodplain, adhering to regulations that would require engineered plans for any potential development in that area.

The discussions surrounding this rezoning application highlight the town's ongoing efforts to balance development with environmental considerations, ensuring that future growth aligns with both community needs and ecological sustainability.