CRESTVIEW — Rezoning the downtown area would allow Main Street business owners to open apartments above their establishments, according to a growth management firm spokesperson.
The Community Redevelopment Agency has unanimously agreed to allow J.E. Dorman and Associates Inc.'s assistance in rezoning the area. The board, which comprises Crestview city council members, voted in favor of reimbursing the firm $29,800 for creating a comprehensive plan amendment.
"What we are proposing to do is to create a new future land use category that will be specific to the downtown area," said J.E. 'Jack' Dorman, the firm's president and a growth management consultant for the city. "Before you can create zone use regulations, first you have to have the enabling policies go with the objectives within your (comprehension) plan."
The comprehensive plan amendment will serve as a governing document for city officials dealing with future zoning issues, he said.
Prior to the Monday decision, Councilman Thomas Gordon asked how successful the plan would be.
"I would be willing to bet $10 against $1 that it would work," Dorman said. "The success will (also) depend on how the property owners receive it."
Council President Robyn Helt said the council is open to hearing suggestions from property owners within and near the downtown area.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview moving toward mixed-use zoning downtown