The Aurora City Council approved a zoning map amendment (Ordinance 2025-01, item 12A) to rezone approximately 4.285 acres near the northwest corner of East 22nd Place and Kathy Street from Business/Industrial (I-1) to Medium Density Multifamily (R-3). The rezoning clears the way for an affordable senior housing project while allowing the existing church to remain on site.

Senior planner Stacy Wasser presented the staff report, describing the site’s current I-1 zoning and the proposal to rezone to R-3. She said the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on Dec. 11, 2024 by a 5-0 vote. The applicant parties identified in staff remarks were Living Tower Free Methodist Church and Blue Ridge Atlantic Development.

Council discussion included questions about right-of-way and frontage improvements; staff confirmed that a subsequent site plan review would require the developer to meet required public-right-of-way and sidewalk improvements. One letter from a nearby resident concerning sidewalk issues was submitted to the record and accepted by the council.

Outcome: Councilmember Burge moved to approve item 12A and Councilmember Bergin seconded; the motion passed and the ordinance was adopted. The clerk recorded adoption of the rezoning.

Why it matters: The rezoning enables development of medium-density senior housing on a site where the church remains, a pattern the council and staff described as a common model for producing affordable housing on donated or church-owned land. If the developer proceeds, site plan review will determine final design details and public-improvement obligations.

Next steps: If the developer moves forward, site plan review, utility and right-of-way improvements, and building permits follow. The council recorded a direction that required public improvements (sidewalks, frontage) will be part of subsequent approvals.