Council OKs first reading to allow professional services, limited food in hospital-adjacent H-1 zone

The Bolivar City Council approved first reading of an amendment to the H-1 (hospital) zoning district text to allow select professional services and limited food service uses.

The change was requested to allow a proposed redevelopment of the former doctorNichols office into a multi-tenant "luxury suites" business incubator modeled on Madison Place in Jackson. Applicant Kim described the concept as smaller, affordable rental suites for entrepreneurs that would include shared services such as Wi-Fi and utilities and would not include sit-down restaurants, alcohol or tobacco sales.

Planning Commission recommended the text amendment and the council approved the amendment on first reading, with a public hearing and second reading scheduled next month. Kim, the applicant, told the council she intends to be selective about tenant businesses and said the project would convert the medical-office building into multiple small commercial suites, with possible small-scale food service from a drive-through pharmacy window but not full-service restaurants.

Council members asked clarifying questions and noted the ordinance change is limited to the H-1 district and only opens the zoning to specific professional and limited food uses; no approvals of individual tenants or business licenses were granted at the meeting. The council recorded the motion and approved the first reading; the public hearing will give residents a chance to speak before final action is taken.