Council approves rezoning for 1307 Saint John’s Avenue to allow community resource center

Lima City Council passed Ordinance 2‑24‑25 on first reading to amend the city zoning map for parcel 47‑0612‑02‑007 (1307 Saint John’s Avenue), changing it from Class 1 residential to Class 3 residential to allow the applicant to operate a community resource center.

The change had been endorsed by the City Planning Commission and was introduced at council with comment from the mayor and councilors in support. The clerk earlier announced a public hearing notice for the property set for Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 at 7 p.m., but during the meeting council considered and passed the ordinance on first reading after council discussion; the applicant, Emmanuel Curtis, was not present.

Councilors emphasized the applicant’s existing youth‑mentoring work in Lima. The mayor and Councilor Thompson highlighted the role of programs such as My Brother’s Keeper and “Jenga,” which provide mentoring, workforce skill training and after‑school support for middle‑ and high‑school students. The mayor said the rezoning would “go a long way in establishing that” safe, coordinated space for youth programs.

Why it matters Rezoning to Class 3 changes what activities and services can be provided at the property; council members and the mayor described the change as enabling mentoring and skills training programs that serve the city’s youth. Planning Commission endorsement indicates the request had completed the advisory review step.

What’s next Ordinance 2‑24‑25 passed on its first reading by an 8–0 roll call. Implementation steps include recordation of the zoning change and any required permits for programs operated from the site. Council directed staff to continue coordination with the applicant and the Planning/Community Development department.