Residents of Lawson Street expressed strong opposition to a proposed zoning change from industrial to a mix of commercial and multifamily residential during a recent city council meeting. The discussions highlighted concerns about the impact of industrial development on their predominantly residential neighborhood, which many residents believed had always been zoned for residential use.

Homeowners voiced their fears that industrial zoning would bring unwanted traffic and noise, particularly from large vehicles like dump trucks, into their cul-de-sac streets. They proposed that the city consider flipping the zoning layout, placing commercial areas adjacent to the main roads and keeping residential zones closer to their homes. This suggestion aimed to minimize disruption and maintain the character of their community.

City officials clarified that the current zoning is industrial, which has been in place since at least 1995, and that the developers are seeking to rezone part of the area to commercial and multifamily residential. The developers' representative explained that the plan includes small commercial retail spaces and duplex-style multifamily housing, emphasizing that the development would not include large apartment complexes.

Concerns were raised about the lack of clarity regarding the specific plans for the property, with some council members expressing hesitation to approve zoning changes without detailed site plans. They argued that zoning should not be tied to specific development proposals, as these can change over time.

The council ultimately closed the public hearing, with plans to consider the proposed zoning changes in future meetings. Residents remain vigilant, hoping to influence the outcome to protect their neighborhood from industrial encroachment.